William C Vaughan

Private First Class William Chester Vaughan was killed in action on February 22, 1945 in Nusbaum Germany during World War II.  He was 21 years old.

William Chester Vaughan was born on December 23, 1923, the son of Vernon Galphin Vaughan and Lillian G. Webb Vaughan.  He graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond, Virginia.  His family moved to Henderson, North Carolina in 1942, while he was a student at North Carolina State College pursuing a degree in civil engineering.    

PFC Vaughan was inducted into the U.S. Army and subsequently deployed to the European Theater of War in August 1944 serving with the 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Division.  Playing critical roles in the Falaise Gap, the assault on Metz, and the Battle of the Bulge, the 317th fought through France and Luxembourg, and prepared to enter Germany at the end of January, 1945.

On February 7, the 80th Division began an attack to cross the Our and Sauer Rivers, and breach Hitler’s West Wall, which consisted of concrete “dragon’s teeth” bunkers and anti-tank ditches. Within three days, the infantrymen established a secure bridgehead over both rivers.  The soldiers received orders to cross the engineer-built bridge at Dillengen on February 13. The next day, Valentine’s Day, the infantrymen of the 317th crossed into Germany and moved forward towards Bollendorf.  

On February19, 1945, the regiment advanced toward Nusbaum against German rear-guard units and captured over 170 prisoners of war. The following night, the 317th crossed the Enz River and captured the town of Enzen by surprise.  The next few days found the infantrymen clearing enemy resistance around Nusbaum.  While in the area, the troops also captured Bollendorf and Mettendorf.  PFC Vaughan was killed in action clearing enemy resistance around Nusbaum on February 22, 1945.

Private First Class William Chester Vaughan is buried in the Luxembourg American Cemetery, Hamm, Luxembourg. 

Last edited: 8 June 2026