Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William John Dooley Vaughan (ASN: 0-23978), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 1st Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Maffin Bay, New Guinea, on 10 July 1944. Captain Vaughan led a supply carry-party, including a number of litter teams and medical personnel, through enemy-held territory to an isolated rifle company which was badly in need of medical supplies, water, rations, and ammunition. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire, aggressively led the group forward and neutralized all enemy resistance to reach the hard-pressed company with vital supplies. He tirelessly assisted in treating the wounded and led the evacuating part y back during the hours of darkness. His outstanding leadership and cool strategy was entirely responsible for ethe rescue to the beleaguered unit and is worthy of the highest praise. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Vaughan, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    Infantry Battalion

    Division:

    6th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 23 – December 20, 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) William John Dooley Vaughan (ASN: 0-23978), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as S-2 (Intelligence Officer) of the 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy behind Japanese lines on Luzon, Philippine Islands, in November and December 1944. Major Vaughan debarked from a submarine under cover of darkness at Santiago Cove, Luzon, on 23 November 1944. He immediately contacted the local guerrilla leader who hid him from the enemy, provided him with guides, and conducted him to the vicinity of Luna, where he coordinated the intelligence-gathering functions of the guerillas. On 20 December, he went to another town in an area more thickly infested with Japanese, and coordinated the intelligence activities in that sector. Major Vaughan, by his skillful and courageous reconnaissance over a period of almost two months in Japanese territory, made a substantial contribution to the Luzon Campaign. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Vaughan, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1971
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) William John Dooley Vaughan (ASN: 0-23978), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1964 to 1971.