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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Private First Class Robert L. Wilson, USMC, (1921-1944)
Robert Lee Wilson was born on 21 May 1920 in Centralia, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from that state in September 1941. Following recruit training
at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at San Diego, California, he went to the Pacific for combat duty against the Japanese. Between August 1942 and mid-1944, Wilson participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, the bloody fight for Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands and the invasion of the Marianas. He also received promotion to Private First Class.
On 3 August 1944 Wilson was serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division in combat on Tinian Island, Marianas Group. While advancing through heavy underbrush to neutralize Japanese resistance, an enemy grenade suddenly landed amid his group of Marines. Warning his comrades, Wilson threw himself on the grenade, sacrificing his life to save the others. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Robert L. Wilson is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, Illinois.
USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-847), 1946-1980, was named in honor of Private First Class Robert L. Wilson.
This page features the only image we have concerning Robert L. Wilson.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 106476
Private First Class Robert L. Wilson, USMC
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official
publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 283.
Robert L. Wilson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division in action against the Japanese at Tinian Island, Marianas Group on 4 August 1944.
U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
Online Image: 80KB; 580 x 765 pixels
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Medal of Honor citation of Private First Class Robert Lee Wilson, USMC
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor,
1861-1949, The Navy", page 283):
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on 4 August 1944. As one of a group of Marines advancing through heavy underbrush to neutralize isolated points of resistence, Private First Class 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, Private First Class 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 Private First Class Wilson and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." |
NOTES:
To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here
are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded
and used for any purpose.
Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit
lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center".
Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval
History and Heritage Command".
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History and Heritage Command home page.
Page made 7 April 2009
Edited and reposted 10 September 2009
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