PVT Will Hall Nicholls

courtesy of Des Philippet

PVT Will Hall Nicholls was born 21 Aug 1925 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the youngest of the 2 sons born to John Henry and Emma (Curles) Nicholls. His father was a streetcar motorman in Norfolk and died in 1932 when Will was just 7-years old. The family lived at 1336 West 37th Street in Norfolk which they owned. It was valued at $1500 in 1940. Will's older brother, John Henry Nicholls Jr supported the family by driving a truck for a steam laundry and did that on a reported 1939 income of $430. Will did manage to complete 2 years of high school.

Will was working for Nolde Brothers, Inc., a wholesale bakery, when he was drafted in October 1943. After basic training he was sent to Europe. PVT Nicholls was transferred from the replacement depot to C Company 116th Infantry on 5 Jul 1944. He was wounded the very next day, 6 Jul 1944 and evacuated to hospital. He did not return to the unit, via the replacement depot, until 15 Jan 1945. PVT Nicholls was accidentally shot by a fellow soldier on 11 Feb 1945 and evacuated to hospital again. He died of his wound on 16 Feb 1945.

PVT Nicholls rests forever in the Netherlands American Cemetery.


His father served in H Troop 4th Cavalry March 1899 - March 1902.