Alfred Leonard Wilson

Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War II

Technician Fifth Grade Alfred Leonard Wilson (18 September 1919 - 8 November 1944) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during World War II.

Alfred Leonard Wilson was born on 18 September 1919 in Fairchance, PA; he also joined the Army from his birth city. On 8 November 1944, he was serving as a Technician Fifth Grade with the Medical Detachment of the 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division. During a firefight 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.

Medal of Honor

Citation: 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.

Death and Burial

Technician Fifth Grade Alfred Leonard Wilson was killed in action on 8 November 1944. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in his hometown of Fairchance, PA.