Wilson Boyd Foust was born April 15, 1920 and Aubury Elwyn Foust was born May 19, 1924 in Blount County to Luther and Neoma (Wynn) Foust. By the time Wilson and Aubury registered for military service, the family was living in Cullman County.
Wilson Foust registered for military service on July 1, 1941 and served in the South Pacific during World War II. Wilson joined the Marines and was attached to the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and served in the Solomon Islands and Australia.
The 1st Marine Division fought in the Solomon Island Campaign. The Japanese occupied many parts of the Solomon Islands and worked to build bases to help support Japanese forces in New Guinea. In fierce fighting, the 1st Marine Division fought the Japanese and although successful in ending the Japanese occupation, losses were heavy.
On December 28, 1943, Pfc. Wilson Foust, 23, was killed in action in the South Pacific.
Aubury Faust joined the Army and served in Europe during World War II. He was attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division. They arrived in England on May 11, 1943 and soon were sent to Normandy, France where they arrived June 12-14.
The 79th Infantry Division entered combat on June 19, took the Fort du Roule and entered Cherbourg. On July 7, 1944, Pfc Foust was wounded as the 313th fought to take La Haye du Puits. On July 8, the 313th were successful in taking the former commune in northwest France.
On July 13, 1944, Aubury, just 20 years old, died from his wounds. His remains remained in France until finally returning home in 1948. He is now at rest at Dailey’s Chapel Cemetery in Rosa, Blount County alongside his older brother. The brothers are honored at Cullman’s Veterans Memorial Park on the World War II Memorial Wall.
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