World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Served with Company D, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 18th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He fought in practically every major engagement in the Pacific. At Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on August 3, 1944, Pfc. Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops had isolated points of resistance. He was moving forward while the remainder of the squad closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group. Pfc. Wilson cried a warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade saving the lives of his comrades. The Medal was presented to his mother at a ceremony held on July 26, 1945, at the American Legion cottage in Centralia. In addition, Wilson received the Purple Heart award with one gold star.
World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Served with Company D, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 18th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He fought in practically every major engagement in the Pacific. At Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on August 3, 1944, Pfc. Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops had isolated points of resistance. He was moving forward while the remainder of the squad closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group. Pfc. Wilson cried a warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade saving the lives of his comrades. The Medal was presented to his mother at a ceremony held on July 26, 1945, at the American Legion cottage in Centralia. In addition, Wilson received the Purple Heart award with one gold star.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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