Haughey, Wilfrid H., Jr.

Date of birth:: August 13th, 1910 (Battle Creek/Michigan, United States)
Date of death:: January 21st, 1997
Service number:: O-334815
Nationality:: American

Biography

Wilfrid Henry Haughey Jr. was born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1910, the son of a Doctor who served in the Army Medical Corps in WWI France. Will Haughey attended the University of Michigan before the war, and entered the Army Reserves as an officer. His unit (the 10th Infantry Regiment), of the 5th Infantry Division) was shipped to occupy Iceland in early 1941. He entered Normandy in early July, and fought across southern France. Eventually, the Third Army was stalled by a lack of fuel near the Siegfried Line, near Metz. He earned the DSC by leading two Battalions across the Moselle River.

The afternoon of September 9th he was promoted to Battalion Commander and given the orders to cross the Moselle. That afternoon he reconnoitered the crossing site from some hills and issued orders. Under cover of darkness and smoke generators soldiers crossed the river, but in daylight were caught in open ground on the opposite side of the River. They were being shelled by the guns of Fort Driant, mortars, and machine gun fire. He then directed units to take Hill 386, and eventually repulsed counter attacks. Later he earned a Silver Star for his efforts to capture Fort Driant.

His unit later was preparing to cross the Sauer River when the Germans entered the Ardenne. His Battalion was one that was pulled off the front line and moved 90 miles north to relieve the 4th Infantry Division which had suffered heavy casualties from the German offensive. He fought through the Battle of the Bulge, and eventually crossed into Germany. At the end of the war he was located in Wintersburg, Czechoslovakia.

Promotions:
April 25th, 1941: 2nd Lieutenant;
1942: 1st Lieutenant;
1942: Captain;
March 1st, 1943: Major;
?: Lieutenant Colonel.

Career:
? - 1935: University of Michigan;
April 25th, 1941: Machine Gun Platoon Leader, Company D, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division;
September 1941: Machine Gun Platoon Leader, Company D, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Iceland;
1942: Company Commander, Company D, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Iceland;
May 1st, 1942: Adjutant, Staff, 10th Infantry Regiment;
September 1st, 1943: Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 10th. Infantry Regiment, Iceland;
August 1943: Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 10th. Infantry Regiment, Tidworth Barracks, England;
July 9th, 1944: Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 10th. Infantry Regiment, Las Dunes de Verreville, France;
August 1944: Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, 10th. Infantry Regiment;
December 10th, 1944: Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 10th. Infantry Regiment;
February 10th, 1945: Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment;
July 10th, 1945: Transport to United States;

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: March 9th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 10 to 20 September 1944, in France. During this period, Major Haughey led assault elements across the Moselle River near Arnaville, France, against strong enemy positions. Completely disregarding his own safety, this intrepid officer directed operations from front line positions, encouraging and inspiring his men by his bold, courageous example. After gaining the far shore he skillfully directed his troops in repulsing repeated fanatic enemy counter-attacks, constantly exposing himself to enemy fire. His calm, fearless leadership under fire, his loyalty, and his unswerving devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 55 (9 March 1945).

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: June 29th, 1945

Citation:
"For gallantry in action during the period 5~7 October,1944 in the vicinity of Metz, France. When enemy artillery from the great forts of Metz was registered on our forces holding a corner of Fort Driant, Major Haughey, then a Battalion Commander, through excellent planning, and supervision and frequent personal trips into the most viciously contested areas, maintained control of a difficult situation and confined casualties to a minimum. Major Haughey personally established the lines of defense in the midst of heavy artillery and small arms fire, and made repeated trips to them in order to encourage his men. His dauntless courage and unstinting devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces."

General Order No. 59, Headquarters 5th Infantry Division (29 June 1945).
At the time of the action he still held the rank of Major.

Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:: 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division "Red Diamond", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: June 24th, 1949

Citation:
"For exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy on or about 9 August 1944 in the European Theatre of Operations."

Bronze Star Medal Citation, War Department (24 June 1949).
At the time of the action he still held the rank of Major.