Years of service 1943 - 1944 Died November 8, 1944, France Name Alfred Wilson | Battles/wars World War II Battles and wars World War II Rank Technician Fifth Grade Awards Medal of Honor Children Eli Marsden Wilson | |
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Place of burial Maple Grove Cemetery Fairchance, Pennsylvania | ||
Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army | ||
Alfred Leonard Wilson (September 18, 1919 – November 8, 1944) was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II.
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Biography
Wilson joined the Army from his birth city in March 1943 and by November 8, 1944 was serving as a technician fifth grade with the Medical Detachment of the 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, near Bezange la Petite, France, Wilson was severely wounded but refused evacuation and continued to treat other injured soldiers until he fell unconscious. He died of his wounds and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor seven months later, on June 18, 1945.
Wilson, aged 25 at his death, was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in his hometown of Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Medal of Honor citation
Technician Wilson's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
He volunteered to assist as an aid man a company other than his own, which was suffering casualties from constant artillery fire. He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shellburst injured a number of its men. 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.