Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Chevalier (DD-451), U.S. Navy

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during operations in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of 17 - 18 August 1943. His ship was a unit of a task group that participated in the interception and routing of an enemy force composed of four destroyers and a large number of landing barges which was endeavoring to reinforce the enemy garrisons in the Vella LaVella-Kolombangara area with troops, supplies and equipment during the night of 17 and 18 August 1943. Lieutenant Commander Wilson's ship attacked the Japanese force in the face of continuous gun and torpedo fire. As a result of his skillful ship handling and the accurate gun fire by his vessel, he materially contributed to the destruction of two enemy destroyers, damage to a third enemy destroyer and the destruction of four large enemy barges and an undetermined number of smaller ones. By his courage, perseverance and determination he brought his ship through without damage and thereby contributed to the successful routing of the Japanese force. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Colhoun (DD-801), U.S. Navy

Awarded for:

Operation Iceberg

"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. COLHOUN (DD-801), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, on 6 April 1945. When his ship was subjected to a coordinated and determined attack by twelve enemy suicide and dive-bombing planes while on radar picket duty, Commander Wilson directed the accurate anti-aircraft fire of his guns in the destruction of five hostile aircraft and, although his ship was hit by four suicide planes, fought on against repeated savage attacks until no more enemy planes were in the area. Then, in an effort to save his badly crippled vessel, he supervised valiant damage control measures until forced to abandon the sinking ship. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Navy Cross received as gold star.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Chevalier (DD-451), U.S. Navy

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CHEVALIER (DD-451), during the night engagement with enemy Japanese Naval Forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 6 - 7 October 1943. Maintaining steady torpedo and gunfire against the numerically superior enemy forces, Lieutenant Commander Wilson fearlessly led his ship into combat and, maneuvering for maximum striking power, contributed materially to the sinking of one or more hostile vessels and the damaging of three other enemy craft. His outstanding leadership and valiant devotion to duty throughout this determined attack were an inspiration to the men in his command and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."