Ray GENE Wilson

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ray Gene Wilson (US-54669934), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving an armed hostile force while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 February 1969. On that date, Private First Class Wilson was serving as a radio-telephone operator with his platoon on a night ambush near the village of Phouc Bien II. At approximately 0300 hours, he detected seven Viet Cong within 50 meters of his ambush site. During the ensuing firefight, Private First Class Wilson maneuvered through a hail of hostile rounds with his platoon leader and maintained constant communications with the friendly elements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Wilson proceeded to a forward position and put forth devastating fire with his automatic rifle which killed one insurgent. Realizing that illumination was imperative to expose the enemy locations, he braved the aggressor barrage and fired hand flares until he was mortally wounded. His selfish courage, professionalism, and perseverance significantly contributed to the success of the engagement. Private First Class Wilson’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2064 (March 25, 1969)