William J. Hough was born in 1891 in Alabama. His parents were Charles and Mary J. Haugh. He left school after completing the seventh grade at the age of sixteen. He worked for his father on his father’s farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in Memphis, Tennessee. Private Hough served as a driver for the commanding officer. A written by Private Hough letter dated June 20, 1922 to the Judge Advocate General of the Army indicated that he requested to be reinstated to his position in the Army and that he wished to continue his career as a solider. The acting Judge Advocate General J.A. Hull, responded on July 5, 1922, by noting that he hoped that Private Hough continue to be a model prisoner but could not recommend clemency at the time.

Private Hough’s War Department clemency memorandum record indicates he suffered from syphilis while incarcerated.

William J. Hough was one of the oldest survivors having died on July 3, 1970.