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PFC Richard Gene Wilson

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PFC Richard Gene Wilson Famous memorial Veteran

Birth
Marion, Williamson County, Illinois, USA
Death
21 Oct 1950 (aged 19)
South Pyongan, North Korea
Burial
Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA GPS-Latitude: 37.3436, Longitude: -89.594
Memorial ID
View Source
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Private First Class in Company 1, Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the CMH for his bravery at Opari, Korea, on October 21, 1950. His citation reads "Pfc. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. As medical aid man attached to Company I, he accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance in force through the hilly country near Opari. The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on 3 sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush. Pfc. Wilson proceeded at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Private Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety. Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade. Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer aid to the wounded man. Pfc. Wilson's superb personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service". His Medal was posthumously awarded to him on August 2, 1951.
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Private First Class in Company 1, Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the CMH for his bravery at Opari, Korea, on October 21, 1950. His citation reads "Pfc. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. As medical aid man attached to Company I, he accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance in force through the hilly country near Opari. The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on 3 sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush. Pfc. Wilson proceeded at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Private Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety. Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade. Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer aid to the wounded man. Pfc. Wilson's superb personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service". His Medal was posthumously awarded to him on August 2, 1951.

Bio by: Bill Walker


Inscription

MISSOURI
PFC
187 ABN REGTL C TEAM
KOREA
MH (Medal of Honor) PH (Purple Heart)


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  • Maintained by: Find a Grave
  • Originally Created by: Bill Walker
  • Added: May 9, 2002
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6403318/richard_gene-wilson: accessed ), memorial page for PFC Richard Gene Wilson (19 Aug 1931–21 Oct 1950), Find a Grave Memorial ID 6403318, citing Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.