Benjamin Franklin Wilson

Few soldiers have earned both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. Even fewer received them for separate acts of extraordinary heroism within days of each other. Major Benjamin Franklin Wilson belonged to that extraordinary group, repeatedly risking his life in combat to save his fellow soldiers during the Korean War.

Major Benjamin Franklin Wilson (2 June 1921 to 18 October 1988) was a United States Army officer whose exceptional courage during the Korean War earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor, as well as the Distinguished Service Cross, the United States Army's second highest award for extraordinary heroism. His remarkable combat record reflects a lifetime of service that began before the United States entered the Second World War and continued through two major conflicts.

Born in Vulcan, West Virginia, Wilson enlisted in the United States Army in October 1940. He was serving with the 35th Infantry Regiment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, thrusting the United States into the Second World War. During the war he served with distinction in the Pacific before returning to civilian life. He later reenlisted in the Army and, by the outbreak of the Korean War, was serving as a Master Sergeant with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

Wilson first distinguished himself on 9 June 1951 near Nodong-ni, Korea, when his fearless leadership and determination under heavy enemy fire earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Despite intense resistance, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct and inspire his men, ensuring the success of the mission through his outstanding courage and leadership.

Only four days earlier, on 5 June 1951, Wilson had performed the extraordinary actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. During fierce fighting near Hwach'on-Myon, Korea, he voluntarily charged heavily defended enemy positions, personally destroying bunkers with grenades and rifle fire while encouraging his fellow soldiers to continue the assault. Although wounded several times during the action, he repeatedly refused evacuation and continued leading attacks against enemy positions until the objective had been secured. His extraordinary heroism inspired those around him and proved decisive in the success of the operation. The Medal of Honor was awarded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a White House ceremony on 27 October 1954.

Wilson continued his Army career after Korea, receiving a commission as an officer and eventually retiring in 1960 with the rank of Major. Alongside his two highest decorations, his distinguished military service was recognised with the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign and service medals earned during the Second World War and Korean War.

Major Benjamin Franklin Wilson passed away on 18 October 1988 at the age of 67 and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy remains one of extraordinary courage, unwavering leadership and selfless devotion to duty. As one of the rare American soldiers to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, his name continues to stand among the most distinguished heroes in the history of the United States Army.