Benjamin F. Wilson
Benjamin F. Wilson | |
---|---|
31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division | |
Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart |
Benjamin Franklin Wilson (June 2, 1921 – March 1, 1988)[1] was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on June 5, 1951, during the UN May–June 1951 counteroffensive.
Biography
Born at
First Sergeant Wilson's company was ordered to take the largest hill (later dubbed "Hell Hill") overlooking the
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant (then M/Sgt.), U.S. Army Company I,
Place and date: Near Hwach'on-Myon, Korea, June 5, 1951
Entered service at: Vashon, Wash. Birth: Vashon, Washington
G.O. No.: 69, September 23, 1954
Citation:
1st Lt. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Company I was committed to attack and secure commanding terrain stubbornly defended by a numerically superior hostile force emplaced in well-fortified positions. When the spearheading element was pinned down by withering hostile fire, he dashed forward and, firing his rifle and throwing
submachineguns. After the assault platoon moved up, occupied the position, and a base of fire was established, he led a bayonet attack which reduced the objective and killed approximately 27 hostile soldiers. While friendly forces were consolidating the newly won gain, the enemy launched a counterattack and 1st Lt. Wilson, realizing the imminent threat of being overrun, made a determined lone-man charge, killing 7 and wounding 2 of the enemy, and routing the remainder in disorder. After the position was organized, he led an assault carrying to approximately 15 yards of the final objective, when enemy fire halted the advance. He ordered the platoon to withdraw and, although painfully wounded in this action, remained to provide covering fire. During an ensuing counterattack, the commanding officer and 1st Platoon leader became casualties. Unhesitatingly, 1st Lt. Wilson charged the enemy ranks and fought valiantly, killing 3 enemy soldiers with his rifle before it was wrested from his hands, and annihilating 4 others with his entrenching tool. His courageous delaying action enabled his comrades to reorganize and effect an orderly withdrawal. While directing evacuation of the wounded, he suffered a second wound, but elected to remain on the position until assured that all of the men had reached safety. 1st Lt. Wilson's sustained valor and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.[3]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Wilson, Benjamin Franklin". Nationwide Gravesite Locator. National Cemetery Administration. Retrieved 2022-05-28.
- ^ Chapter 12 BACK TO THE OFFENSIVE—1951 Archived 2006-05-18 at the Wayback Machine URL retrieved December 16, 2006
- ^ ""BENJAMIN F. WILSON" entry". Medal of Honor recipients: Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
References
Picture of Benjamin Wilson on Pinterest.com
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ""BENJAMIN F. WILSON" entry". Medal of Honor recipients: Korean War. United States Army Center of Military History. June 8, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-10. Retrieved 2007-12-31.