David Vaught grew up in southern Illinois and attended West Point, graduating in 1969, but not before he became involved in a major controversy over mandatory chapel where he and several other cadets challenged its constitutionality. The issue was finally resolved in his favor in a law suit after Vaught was a commissioned officer. David served for two years in the Regular Army, resigning his commission in early 1971 to attend law school at Southern Illinois University.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
Vaught recalls mandatory chapel attendance at West Point
Abstract
Interview Session 1
Early life, West Point cadet experiences and challenge over mandatory chapel
Interview Session 2
Early Army career, conclusion of chapel challenge & Dan Walker campaign
Related Materials
See Also
His full interview in Illinois Statecraft-Governor Quinn
Photos
Caption
Dave Vaught wears his West Point uniform while at the Evansville, Indiana airport in 1966. His girlfriend at the time, Alice Chapman, often dropped him off and picked him up at the airport.
Where:
Evansville, Indiana
When:
1966
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
June Week at West Point caps a cadet’s four years at the Academy. David was walking punishment tours that day, but still made graduation dinner in the mess hall. With him were his roommate, Dennis Moen, Dennis’ future wife Nancy and Dave’s sister Dixie.
Where:
West Point, New York
When:
1969
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo