Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Pfc. Richard Wilson

Congressional Medal of Honor

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

1. Pfc. Richard Wilson Marker

Inscription. In honored memory of
Pfc. Richard Wilson
187th Airborne Infantry
11th Division, U.S. Army
1931-1950
Posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Nation’s highest award for gallantry and service beyond the call of duty, and to all who made the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives in Korea and former wars that this flag my ever fly in honor and peace.Dedicated May 30, 1956

Erected 1956.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 21, 1950.

Location. 37° 20.558′ N, 89° 35.378′ W. Marker is in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of North Kingshighway Street (U.S. 61) and County Park Drive, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the Cape Girardeau Veterans Memorial in Cape Girardeau County Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Girardeau MO 63701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cape Girardeau Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); The History of the 140th Infantry Regiment

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Girardeau (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George & Fred Naeter (approx. 2.7 miles away); Old Lorimier Cemetery (approx. 4.4 miles away); H&H Building (approx. 4½ miles away); Marquette Tower (approx. 4½ miles away); Royal N'Orleans (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Girardeau.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Richard G Wilson (Congressional Medal of Honor Society). Excerpt:

(October 21, 1950) As medical aidman attached to Company I, he accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance-in-force through the hilly country near Opari. The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on three sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons, and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush. Pfc. Wilson proceeded
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

2. Pfc. Richard Wilson Marker
(marker was moved from its original location to this newer Cape Girardeau County Veterans Memorial wall)
This wall is a dedication to memorialize the sacrifices of the brave men and women of Cape Girardeau County who fought to preserve our life, liberty and freedom.
Dedicated Nov. 11, 2018
Clippard-Wilson-Taylor
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 3838
at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Pvt. Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety. Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade. Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer to the wounded man. Pfc. Wilson's superb personal bravery, consummate courage, and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.

(Submitted on November 29, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Richard Gene Wilson (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

Richard Gene Wilson was a United States Army soldier and a posthumous recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2021

3. Cape Girardeau Freedom Rock (south side)
Pfc. Richard G. Wilson is also memorialized on the south side of the nearby Cape Girardeau Freedom Rock.
of Honor, for his actions in the Korean War. A combat medic, Wilson was awarded the medal for attempting to rescue a wounded soldier at the Battle of Yongju.

(Submitted on November 29, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 62 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.