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TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF HAROLD E. WILSON OF LEXINGTON WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.
Whereas, throughout our nation's history, men and women in all eras from Concord and Lexington to Falleujah have gone in harm's way to protect and secure our country's freedom and way of life; and
Whereas, to recognize extraordinary heroism the Congress of the United States established the Medal of Honor which represents the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and
Whereas, there have been more than three thousand four hundred recipients but fewer than one hundred forty remain with us today; and
Whereas, most recipients of the medal are ordinary Americans from ordinary backgrounds who, under extraordinary circumstances and at great risk to their own lives, performed an incredible act or a series of acts of conspicuous valor that clearly sets them apart from their comrades; and
Whereas, thirty-seven citizens with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception; and
Whereas, Harold E. Wilson is one of these South Carolinians who lived and was laid to rest in Lexington; and
Whereas, born in Birmingham, Alabama, in December of 1921, Mr. Wilson enlisted there in the Marines achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, Company G, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division and served his country with honor and distinction in Korea; and
Whereas, he received the Medal of Honor for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon sergeant of a rifle platoon attached to Company G, in action against enemy aggressor forces on the night of April 23-24, 1951; and
Whereas, the company outpost was overrun by hostile forces and Technical Sergeant Wilson braved intense fire to assist survivors back into the line and direct the treatment of casualties. Although twice wounded by gunfire in the right arm and left leg, receiving further wounds to his head and shoulder as the attack increased, and then blown off his feet by the bursting of hostile mortar fire, he repeatedly refused medical aid and continued to encourage and tend to his own men first inspiring them to rally repeatedly and turn back the furious assaults; and
Whereas, Harold E. Wilson's outstanding courage, initiative, and skilled leadership in the face of overwhelming odds were contributing factors in the success of his company's mission and reflect the highest credit upon him; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor the memory of this brave and courageous American for his extraordinary heroism in the defense of our country and her ideals which epitomizes the very best of what America stands for. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly commend the extraordinary heroism of Harold E. Wilson who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Mr. Harold E. Wilson.
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