Alfred L. Wilson was a United States Army

United States Army

The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...

 soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor

Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...

—for his actions in World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

.

Biography

Wilson joined the Army from his birth city of Fairchance, Pennsylvania

Fairchance, Pennsylvania

Fairchance is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,174 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.-Geography:Fairchance is located at ....

, and by November 8, 1944 was serving as a technician fifth grade with the Medical Detachment of the 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division

26th Infantry Division (United States)

The 26th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the United States Army. As a major formation of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, it was based in Boston, Massachusetts for most of its history...

. During a firefight on that day, near Bezange la Petite, France

France

The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan 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

Fairchance, Pennsylvania

Fairchance is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,174 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.-Geography:Fairchance is located at ....

.

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.

See also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II