Willie "Superman" Cornelius earned his nickname from his friends due to his athletic ability and mental sharpness. After moving down West End to attend Vanderbilt and serve as captain of the track team, he moved overseas to serve as a captain in WWII.
Captain Cornelius served valiantly until March 7, 1944 when he fell in battle. He posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross for the daring and vital actions he took as described on the official documentation of the award:
...for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces during the occupation of the Admiralty Islands on 7 March 1944. When enemy forces occupied Papitaial Village, opposite Porlaka and constituted a threat to that position, Captain Cornelius voluntarily requested to land a reconnaissance force to locate enemy dispositions. Under hostile fire the force crossed the inlet in rubber boats and Captain Cornelius was the first ashore. He killed four of the enemy before he was fatally wounded. Because of his daring action, Captain Cornelius aided greatly in the collection of valuable information which enabled our forces to press a successful attack. Captain Cornelius' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Men like Captain Cornelius serve as examples of the selflessness MBA attempts to instill in its graduates. We charge them to make "significant contributions to society." The life of Captain Cornelius exceeded that expectation.