Joseph F. Wilson
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army

On 16 December 1944, Second Lieutenant Joseph F. Wilson was serving with Company M (Heavy Weapons), 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army.

On that day, 2LT Wilson’s unit was in action against German forces at Kayersborg, France, during the first day of the Battle of the Bulge. 2LT Wilson’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin, with Silver and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph F. Wilson (ASN: 0-1692505), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Kayersborg, France, on 16 December 1944. Second Lieutenant Wilson's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 191 (1945)

Burial

Second Lieutenant Joseph F. Wilson is buried at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Epinal, Departement des Vosges, Lorraine, France, in Plot B, Row 24, Grave 60.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56376390/joseph-f-wilson