Medal of Honor: Robert Lee Wilson – World War II, August 4, 1944

WILSON, ROBERT LEE
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, United States Marine Corps
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division
Conflict: World War II
Date of Action: August 4, 1944
Location: Tinian Island, Marianas Group
Born: May 24, 1921, Centralia, Illinois
Accredited to: Illinois

Summary of Action

In the dense, tangled underbrush of Tinian Island, amid the blistering heat of the Pacific War, a squad of Marines pushed forward to root out the last remnants of Japanese resistance. Every step was a risk. The enemy was desperate, entrenched, and hidden among the rocks and trees.

At the front of this squad was Private First Class Robert L. Wilson, a 23-year-old rifleman from Illinois. He advanced cautiously, leading the patrol toward a suspicious pile of rocks—suspected to harbor Japanese soldiers. His brothers-in-arms followed close behind, weapons ready but unaware of the deadly threat that lay just ahead.

Suddenly, from the rocks came a grenade—its arc brief, its intent unmistakable.

Without hesitation, and with full knowledge of what it meant, Pfc. Wilson shouted a warning and threw himself directly onto the grenade. He absorbed the full force of the explosion, giving his life so that his fellow Marines might live.

In that split-second act of selfless courage, Robert Wilson embodied the very soul of the Marine Corps. He did not hesitate. He did not flinch. He simply chose to save others.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tinian Island, Marianas Group, on 4 August 1944.

As one of a group of Marines advancing through heavy underbrush to neutralize isolated points of resistance, Private First Class Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks believed to conceal enemy troops.

Fully aware of the danger, he pressed forward while the rest of the squad, armed with automatic rifles, followed close behind. Without warning, a Japanese grenade landed in their midst.

Quick to act, Pfc. Wilson cried out in warning and, without hesitation, threw himself on the grenade, heroically sacrificing his own life that the others might live and fulfill their mission.

His exceptional valor, courageous loyalty, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country.