ROBERT L. WILSON

Sergeant | Infantry

 

In addition to his wallet with miscellaneous papers and tokens he carried with him, Robert had on him $3.11, half of a one dollar bill, one yen, 100 won notes, and one note in Russian currency.  He also carried his Combat Infantry Badge, some photos and newspaper clippings, a pocket watch and a wristwatch, and precious letters from home.  All of these items were recovered and sent to a personal effects depot before his body was wrapped in a shelter half and buried in Tanggok in February 1951.

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Eleven days earlier, on January 31, G Company, 7th Cavalry, was attacking enemy positions in the padded white hills of Ochon-ni.  An aggressive machinegun nest had pinned down Corporal Wilson and his men for some time before he decided to knock it out.  After half a year of combat and minor wounds last September, he could handle one machine gunner.  But he was barely able to dash forward when the gunner opened up and struck Wilson with a burst of fire in his chest.  He stumbled back and crumpled to the ground.

 

It wasn't until July 18, 1951 that the American Graves Registration service recovered his remains and confirmed his identity based on his physical characteristics and a few items kept with him.  His body returned to the United States later that year.