William "Bill" Greene

Hometown: Linville, North Carolina

ECU Affiliation: Student

Branch of Service: Navy

Dates/Era of Service: 1943-1973

Places Served: Pacific Theater, Atlantic fleet, Vietnam

Brief Narrative

William "Bill" Greene was a 1943 graduate of East Carolina. He was among the men that followed Coach John Christenbury from Brevard and played on the undefeated football team in 1941. He also performed in stage dramas and wrote for the student newspaper. Following his time in Greenville, he embarked on a distinguished 30 year career in the US Navy, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral (upper). In the Navy, he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam in addition to being selected as the first commander of the newly established Naval Recruiting Command. He retired in 1973 and later served as a businessman and director of the NC port system. He is a member of the East Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame and the Distinguished Military Service Society.