Robert L. Wilson

His body shielded fellow Marines from a grenade blast at war

Robert Lee Wilson grew up in Centralia, Illinois, in a large farming family. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1941 and trained at San Diego before going to the Pacific. He served in the Guadalcanal and Tarawa campaigns and later fought in the Mariana Islands, becoming a private first class.

In August 1944 on Tinian, Wilson was advancing with Marines through thick undergrowth to locate remaining Japanese positions. He moved ahead toward rocks that might shelter enemy troops. When a grenade fell among the men behind him, he shouted a warning and covered it with his body. His sacrifice protected his companions and enabled them to continue their mission.

The Medal of Honor citation identifies his unit as the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division and dates the action to 4 August 1944. His parents received the posthumous decoration at the American Legion Home in Centralia on 26 July 1945. Initially buried on Tinian, his remains were returned in 1948 and reinterred at Hillcrest Memorial Park in his hometown.

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, Pfc. Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops were supposed to be hiding. Fully aware of the danger involved, he was moving forward while the remainder of the squad, armed with automatic rifles, closed together in the rear when an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group. Quick to act, Pfc. Wilson cried a warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, heroically sacrificing his own life that the others might live and fulfill their mission. His exceptional valor, his courageous loyalty and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Wilson and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.