Four Watsonville brothers went to France, and three returned, leaving William at Verdun.

William J. Weeks was born about 1891 in Santa Clara, California, but spent most of his life in Watsonville. Also included in the Weeks family were his parents, brothers Frank, Mike and Ray and sisters Bebe and Mrs. Al Echeverria.

Details relating to the life of William Weeks are not available; however, his military experiences were chronicled by his brother Mike and given to the Pajaro Valley Historical Association in 1990. Below is an unedited copy of Michael's letter.
“Watsonville, Cal
To War History committee
Us four brothers enlisted in Company L, 2nd Calif. Inf. March 28 & 30th 1917. Were sent to Presidio S.F. April 5th. Later were split up & sent to different places for guard duty. We mobilized again at Fort Mason July 20th. On October 29th 1917 we entrained for Camp Kearney San Diego. Transferred to Company. G 160th Inf. 40th Division. Went overseas as replacements from Kearney June 13th 1918. Arrived in Camp Merritt N.J. Sailed from New York June 27th on the Nester. British bound arriving in Liver Pool July 10th. Left England Southampton 18th of July arriving in La. Harve [sic, Le Havre] France 19th. Drilled at Port LeRoy and Marcany. Went into the 26 New England Division 103rd Inf. July 28th 1918. Just relieved from the drive at Cheaut Theury. [sic, Chateau Thierry] Went into action Sept. 12 to 13. Captured a town call Billy [sic, Belleau?] that was our objective. Was relieved by 4th Division. Later was sent to Verdun held lines for two weeks and then drove on 8th until the day Armistice was signed 11th 1918.
We left France on the 28th of March, sailed from Breast [sic, Brest]. Arriving at Boston April 5, 1919. Sailed on the USS America. Frank and Mike were discharged at Kearny April 21, 1919.
William Weeks was killed at Verdun October 18, 1918 by shellfire.
Ray was wounded at Verdun November 3rd sent to Hospital, Base 10, Center, Base 54.7.A Base 20. Harrison Base 399. Breast Base 7. New York Fox Hill Camp Kearny Cal Surgical 8.
Yours Truly Mike Weeks”

According to the American Battle Monuments Commission, Private William J. Weeks of the 103rd Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division died on October 27, 1918, and is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery at Romagne, France.

(CAG; ABMC; WRP December 17, 1918, PVHA Archival Files).