His WW I draft registration card, filed 12 Sep 1918, records Espy Collins, age 18, residence Salt Lick, Bath Co., Ky, born 14 May 1900, laborer, employer Potoma Lumber Co., Omar, Logan Co., W. Va., nearest relative John Collins, father, Salt Lick, Ky.

The reported birthdate is off by one year, since he was recorded as age 1, born May 1899 in the 1900 census.