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Korean War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Pfc. Richard G. Wilson, US Army
April 20, 2004
H.R. 4037 Richard G. Wilson Processing and Distribution Facility Designation Act
Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor to speak on behalf of a bill to honor a true American hero from the district I represent in Southern Missouri. H.R. 4037 would dedicate the Cape Girardeau Processing and Distribution Facility for mail to a hometown and American hero, Private First Class, Richard G. Wilson.
PFC Wilson joined thousands of courageous soldiers who fought in the Korean war when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and became part of Co. 1, Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment.
As a U.S. army medic in active combat during the Korean war at the age of 19, PFC Wilson accompanied his unit during a reconnaissance mission through Opari in Korea. When the troops were ambushed in a narrow valley, PFC Wilson administered aid to his wounded comrades. Even though his company commander ordered the unit to move out, PFC Wilson returned to the field of battle to rescue a soldier who was left for dead, but was attempting to crawl to safety. PFC Wilson was unarmed, but that did not deter him from his mission.
Two days later, PFC. Wilson was found dead beside the man he gave his life trying to save. This is an example of the superb bravery that reflects Richard Wilsons character and so rightly earned him the nations highest military award, the Medal of Honor.
In 1951, the Medal of Honor was awarded to Richard G. Wilsons widow, Yvonna Wilson, at the Pentagon. Today, she and hundreds of Cape Girardeau residents remember and honor PFC. Wilsons bravery and his commitment to our country. It is very appropriate his memory become a prominent part of our community.
Naming the postal facility after PFC Wilson will serve as a lasting testament of our gratitude to him for his brave example, just as we are proud of all of the men and women from Southern Missouri who have honorably served our country.
He exemplifies the valor of so many men and women who have served our nation in uniform. This simple reminder of his brave actions will stand as a testament in Cape Girardeau that we respect his sacrifice but it also will signal that we wish him to serve as an example for generations of Americans to come. With this designation, we claim him for our own, and honor his memory.
Our definition of the word hero has changed many times over the years. PFC Wilson, however, is a hero for any era, by any definition.
CITATION:
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Co. 1, Medical Company, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Opari, Korea, 21 October 1950. Entered service at: Cape Girardeau Mo. Born: 19 August 1931, Marion, Ill. G.O. No.: 64, 2 August 1951. Citation: 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.
Courtesy of Find A Grave
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