PFC Richard G. Wilson Scrapbook

Collection — Box: 3252

Identifier: 2006.112

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The scrapbook contains photographs, correspondence, and news clippings concerning the life and death of Richard G. Wilson. The majority of the materials deal with memorials that were dedicated in Wilson’s honor in the period immediately following his death and in later years. The materials are organized chronologically. They are segregated into series by the events to which the materials pertain.

Dates

Creation: Circa 1937-2008

Conditions Governing Access

A DVD player is required to view the footage in Series VII and XI. Please call ahead to make sure this equipment is available.

Rights Statement

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical / Historical

Richard G. Wilson was born on August 31, 1931, to Bert and Alice Wilson in Marion, Illinois. Wilson grew up in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he boxed in the Golden Gloves and played football at Central High School. Before beginning his service Wilson married Yvonna Lea Fowler. Wilson joined the US Army on August 20, 1948, and was deployed to South Korea on September 7, 1950. On October 21, 1950, Wilson died in the course of duty in a battle near Opari, Korea. Wilson, serving as a medic, exposed himself to enemy fire while attempting to save the life of a wounded man. Because of this, and other acts of bravery on that day, Wilson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on June 21, 1951.

Extent

1 Scrapbooks

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Photographs, correspondence, and news clippings concerning PFC Richard G. Wilson, who earned a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor for service during the Korean War. The majority of the materials deal with memorials that were dedicated in Wilson’s honor in the period immediately following his death and in later years.