Gaither Wilson Vaughan
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

In September 1943, then-Sergeant Gaither Wilson Vaughan was serving with the 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

During that month, SGT Vaughan’s unit was in action against German forces while trying to cross a canal. When the unit was fired upon by the Germans from a group of buildings, SGT Vaughan directed his men to fire on the buildings as he advanced alone. SGT Vaughan surprised 3 German soldiers and captured them and their motorcycles. Then, using hand grenades, SGT Vaughan knocked out a German machine gun, killed its crew and destroyed the emplacement. SGT Vaughan’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Then-Technical Sergeant Vaughan was killed in action while his unit was capturing Velletri, Italy, on 1 June 1944.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Gaither W. Vaughn, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces in September 1943. Sergeant Vaughn's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty 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.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 94 (1943)

Burial

Technical Sergeant Gaither Wilson Vaughan is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot C, Row 1, Grave 9.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56315397/gaither-wilson-vaughan