Technician Grade Five Alfred Leonard Wilson was a soldier in the U.S. Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on November 8, 1944 near Bezange la Petite, France during World War II. At the time he was serving with Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division. Wilson was 26 years old.
Wilson was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded.
Wilson was born on September 18, 1918 in Fairchance, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Wilson is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 380 credited to Pennsylvania.
Official Medal of Honor citation
He volunteered to assist as an aidman 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 shell burst 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 one 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 asistance 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
What the citation records about his wounds:
He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shell burst 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.
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (November 8, 1944).
- Age at death: 26
- Resting place: Maple Grove Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Alfred Leonard Wilson received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War II, Siegfried Line Campaign, Operation Overlord.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Occupations: combat medic, coal miner
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Pennsylvania →
Timeline
- September 18, 1918Born in Fairchance, Fayette County, Pennsylvania
- November 8, 1944Act of valor — near Bezange la Petite, FranceAge 26. Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division Killed in action.
- Resting placeMaple Grove CemeteryFairchance, Pennsylvania
Biography
Technician 5th Grade 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.
From the Wikipedia article “Alfred L. Wilson”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Named in his honor
- Wilson Barracks — barracks
