Robert L. Wilson

the Illinois representative

Robert Lee Wilson (May 21, 1920 – August 3, 1944) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism at the cost of his life on August 3, 1944, in the Marianas.

Robert Lee Wilson was born on May 21, 1920, in Centralia, Illinois. One of eight children, Wilson was considered his father's right hand man around the farm, before enlisting in the Marine Corps in the fall of 1941. "He was one of the best workers I ever saw," the boy's father said when speaking of his 23 year old son. "None of my boys believed in waiting for the draft. They volunteered," he added.

Wilson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 9, 1941. He went to Chicago then to San Diego, California, for recruit training. He fought in practically every major engagement in the Pacific until the day of his death. A Presidential Unit Citation signed by Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy, dated February 4, 1943, was awarded him as a member of the 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), in the Solomons in August 1942. Serving with the 2nd Marine Division (Reinforced), Wilson received a second Presidential Unit Citation signed by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal "for outstanding performance of duty in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese held Atoll of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 – November 24, 1943." He was wounded, hence he received the Purple Heart with one gold star. At the time of his death, Wilson was serving with Company D, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 18th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. The Medal of Honor was presented to his mother at a ceremony held on July 26, 1945, at the American Legion cottage in Centralia. Private First Class Wilson was initially buried in the military cemetery on Tinian, but was reinterred in Hillcrest Cemetery, Centralia, Illinois, in 1948.

The Gearing class destroyer, Robert L. Wilson was launched on January 5, 1946, and was commissioned on March 28, 1946. The USS Robert Wilson earned three battle stars for service during the Vietnam War. She was decommissioned on September 30, 1974.