Mr. Durrett received his basic training at San Angelo, Texas and received his commission as an officer within six months. He returned home on furlough on August 18, 1943, having recently graduated as a Second Lieutenant from the West Texas Bombardier Quadrangle in Midland, Texas. When leaving West Point, he was to report to Boise, Idaho where he was to be assigned to a Flying Fortress.

In December 22, 1943, his parents, Mr. and Mrs W.G. Durrett, were notified that their son was killed that day in a plane crash in West Palm Beach, Florida along with 12 other airmen. The training flight crashed about 2:00 AM, which is when local residents heard a loud and heavy explosion.

His final services were held on December 26, 1943 at the First Methodist Church in West Point, Mississippi. He was survivied by three brothers, Private Wilbur Durrett, Sergeant W.G. Durrett, and Staff Sergeant John D. Durrett.

He was recognized as having been one of, or perhaps, was the highest ranking Eagle Scout in the State. The local newspaper remembered him as that gangling kid who had a smile that wrinkled his whole face. His last words, spoken by telephone, to his father a few days before his death were as follows:

"Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself."

V.F.W. Post 2098 is named in honor of Mr. Durrett and Mr. Graham "Buddy" Hamlin. Both gentlemen were members of the West Point National Guard Company C, which was activated as the United States entered World War II.