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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth:
24 May 1921, Centralia, Ill. Accredited to: Illinois. Citation For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine
Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian Island,
Marianas Group, on 4 August 1944. As 1 of a group of marines advancing
through heavy underbrush to neutralize isolated points of resistance, Pfc.
Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese
troops were supposed to be hiding. Fully aware of the danger involved,
he was moving forward while the remainder of the squad, armed with automatic
rifles, closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade landed in the
midst of the group. Quick to act, Pfc. Wilson cried a warning to the men
and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, heroically sacrificing
his own life that the others might live and fulfill their mission. His
exceptional valor, his courageous loyalty and unwavering devotion to duty
in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Wilson
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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