80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment (United States Army)
Died:
16/02/1945 (Killed in Action)
Age:
Summary
Francis P Nugent was born in America. Both his parents were Irish. He came home when he was four years old and spent his childhood in Pomeroy. Francis Nugent returned to America. Francis enlisted in New Jersey. Francis Nugent was serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division of the 3rd United States Army. Francis had discharged himself from hospital after he was wounded the first time so that he could go and fight again, and that was when was killed. He died on 16th February 1945. Corporal Nugent was awarded the Purple Heart which was adorned with an oak leaf cluster to show he was wounded in battle twice.
Further Information
Francis P Nugent was born in America. Both his parents were Irish. He was the son of Patrick Nugent.
He came home when he was four years old and spent his childhood in the Kildress – Pomeroy area.
Francis was a prominent member of the Kildress branch of the Irish National Forresters.
He also was a member of St Mary’s Gaelic Football Club in Killeeshil.
Francis Nugent returned to America in 1938.
Francis was conscripted for service in the U.S. Army whilst in New Jersey.
Francis Nugent photographed with his wife.
Francis Nugent served for four years in different war zones with 1st American Army.
Francis had discharged himself from hospital after he was wounded the first time so that he could go and fight again.
Corporal Francis Nugent was serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division of the 3rd United States Army when he was killed in action in Germany on 16th February 1945.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 7th April 1945: Kildress
Sad news has reached Mr and Mrs Patrick Nugent of Keenaghan that their eldest son, Sergeant Francis Nugent, has been killed in action in Germany. Sergeant Nugent emigrated to the U.S.A. in 1938, and was getting on well in the States when he was conscripted for service. He had served for four years in different war zones with 1st American Army. Before emigrating, Francis was very popular. He was a prominent member of the Kildress branch of the Irish National Forresters and of St Mary’s Gaelic Football Club. Widespread sympathy is extended to the Nugent family in their sad bereavement.
Corporal Nugent was awarded the Purple Heart which was adorned with an oak leaf cluster to show he was wounded in battle twice.
Years later his sister visited his grave. This is a news report from the time
A Northern Ireland woman is making a poignant first visit to the grave of her brother who was awarded the Purple Heart after giving his life in the Second World War. Corporal Francis Nugent was decorated with the medal for military merit and for wounds received in action. His award is adorned with an oak leaf cluster to show he was wounded in battle twice. He died on 16th February 1945. Mary Nugent (79) from Pomeroy in County Tyrone only recently discovered where her brother’s remains were interred. And on 22 November she will make the sad journey to his grave in Luxembourg Cemetery. There, Mrs Nugent will be presented with her brother’s medal by the Consulate General and members of the American Veterans Association. Her daughter Rosemary Stewart and son-in-law Frank, who spent two years trying to trace the grave will accompany her. Mr Stewart said “I often heard my mother-in-law talk about her brother and I was determined to find out where he fell. It took two years but eventually I contacted the Luxembourg Cemetery and they were able to tell me. Mary knew he had received the Purple Heart and wanted to have it as a memento. Francis had discharged himself from hospital after he was wounded the first time so that he could go and fight again, and that was when was killed. Corporal Nugent, whose parents were both Irish, was born in America. He came home when he was four years old and spent his childhood in Pomeroy. He was a member of the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division of the 3rd Army, commanded by General Patton.
Corporal Francis Nugent is buried in Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg.
