LaSalle Vaughn was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 5, 1923, one of five children born to Roger and Lizzette Vaughn. He went to school in Baton Rouge and, after Franklin Roosevelt established a Presidential Directive permitting Black Americans the opportunity to serve in the Marine Corps, he enlisted in 1943.
Instead of being sent to Parris Island, LaSalle and his fellow Black Marines were sent to Montford Point at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Only after basic training was he sent to Parris Island. The harsh conditions he would endure during his time there were felt immediately upon arrival, when an MP boarded his bus and demanded, “Boy, what are you doing with my uniform on?” He went on to describe everyday life while at Parris Island: “We could not go in the PX…We could not parade on the parade ground. Everything was segregated.”
Vaughn was assigned to the Stewards Branch, where he became an accomplished baker and chef, and while Parris Island brought him his share of trials and tribulations, it also resulted in him meeting his future wife, Catherine Gray. Vaughn had the opportunity to cook for many of the highest-ranking generals in the Marine Corps and retired from the service in 1965. 
One year later, Vaughn and his wife opened the “Little People’s College and Nursery” and worked there as educators for 30 years. During that time the couple had seven children together. He also worked closely with the Montford Point Marine Association was eventually inducted into the Montford Point Association Hall of Fame.
In his later years, he needed medical treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. During that time, he was told that he and his fellow Montford Point Marines had been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
LaSalle died on Sunday, September 16, 2012, at the age of 88 and is interred in Section C, Site 184 of Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina.  https://montfordpointmarines.org/.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Beaufort National Cemetery

Rest easy.  Thank you for such outstanding service.

Thank you Staff Sgt Lasalle for your years of service to your country.  May your memory be eternal.

Wendy Leblanc

Thank you for paving the way for future people of color SSGT Vaughn. You are an example of a true US Marine Devil Dog.  Semper Fi.

Very Respectfully,
Mike Cisneros
MCPO (RET)

LASALLE R VAUGHN SR

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