Ben Wilson

This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Ben Wilson

Benjamin Franklin Wilson was born on Vashon Island, Washington, in June 1921. Driven by a thirst for adventure, he left school during his senior year and joined the military.

Wilson enlisted in the Army in January 1940. He was stationed in Hawaii during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and applied to Officer Candidate School (OCS) shortly after. He completed OCS at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1943. During World War II, Wilson remained in the United States, serving in training roles.

After resigning his commission in 1945, Wilson attempted to rejoin the Army but was denied due to an excess of officers. He then re-enlisted as a private. In 1951, he completed airborne training and rose to the rank of master sergeant in the 31st Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

In 1951, Wilson's division was deployed to Korea. In June, his company was ordered to capture a hill near the Hwacheon Reservoir, later known as "Hell Hill." Under heavy enemy fire, Wilson charged the enemy position, killing four and allowing his platoon to advance. He then led a bayonet charge, killing 27 enemies and securing the initial objective. During a counterattack, he made a lone bayonet charge to stop the attackers. Despite being injured, he continued to lead assaults and provide covering fire, enabling his platoon to safely withdraw.

In November 1951, Wilson was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served as an officer for the rest of his career, retiring as a major in October 1960.

On September 7, 1954, President Eisenhower awarded Wilson the Medal of Honor for his actions at Hwacheon. He also received a Distinguished Service Cross for actions at Nodong-ni, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star. The Joint Base Lewis McChord fitness center on Lewis North in Washington is named in his honor.

Wilson passed away in Hawaii in 1988 at the age of 66 and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.

Thank you for your service!