 |
| Medic Alfred Wilson, 26th Infantry Division, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7208497/alfred-leonard-wilson#view-photo=8634464 |
Alfred Leonard Wilson never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on September 18, 1918 in Pennsylvania. His parents Jessie and Matilda were also both born in Pennsylvania. His father worked as a coal miner and then as a timberman. Alfred had one older brother, two older sisters, three younger brothers, and three younger sisters. His mother died in 1933. By 1940 Alfred had completed one year of high school and was working as a laborer.
He enlisted in the army on February 15, 1943. He trained as a medic and became a Tech/5 attached to the 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division.
He gave his life while treating wounded infantrymen under shellfire near Bezage la Petite, France on November 8, 1944. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Cpl. Wilson's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:
While treating his comrades he was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated by litter bearers sent to relieve him. In spite of great pain and loss of blood, he continued to administer first aid until he was too weak to stand. Crawling from 1 patient to another, he continued his work until excessive loss of blood prevented him from moving. He then verbally directed unskilled enlisted men in continuing the first aid for the wounded. Still refusing assistance himself, he remained to instruct others in dressing the wounds of his comrades until he was unable to speak above a whisper and finally lapsed into unconsciousness.
The effects of his injury later caused his death. By steadfastly remaining at the scene without regard for his own safety, Cpl. Wilson through distinguished devotion to duty and personal sacrifice helped to save the lives of at least 10 wounded men.
Thank you Corporal Wilson for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Alfred.
Last year on this date I profiled B-17 radio operator Cyril Curb. You can read about Cyril here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
His grave is at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairchance, Pennsylvania
Last year on this date I profiled B-17 radio operator Cyril Curb. You can read about Cyril here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
I contribute articles to the Pueblo Lore, A Journal of Pueblo History. In April, 2010, we published an article I wrote about Frank Sheehan. I was quite surprised to see in today's Pueblo Chieftain that you decided Frank should be honored. I interviewed his family and they gave me copies of letters from his CO and a Marine buddy sent to the family after Frank was killed on Saipan. I still have them. Thanks for what you do. do
ReplyDelete