World War II Honoree

Paul Willard Nichols

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Saluda, South Carolina

Honored By

James O. Sweeny

Relationship

Classmate

HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY AS A PRIVATE ON JUNE 4, 1942 AND ASSIGNED TO COMPANY A, 609TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION. AFTER TRAINING IN THE STATES AS AN ANTI-TANK GUN CREWMAN, HE ARRIVED WITH THE BATTALION IN EUROPE ON AUGUST 24, 1944. HE PARTICIPATED IN THE RHINELAND ARDENNES AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS, FOR WHICH HE RECEIVED THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN SERVICE RIBBONS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF DUTY AS SECTION LEADER DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 20, 1944 TO APRIL 30, 1945, HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR. HE RETURNED TO THE STATES ON SEPTEMBER 7, 1945 AND WAS GIVEN AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE AS A STAFF SERGEANT ON OCTOBER 31, 1945.