Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    March 2, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 3933 (January 11, 1946

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Karl B. Wilson (MCSN: 947626), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman, serving with a platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 2 March 1945. With his platoon pinned down by shattering small arms fire emanating from a cave during an advance against the enemy, Private Wilson bravely pressed forward against the opposition and when a companion was fatally struck down as he attempted to fire over the mound in front of the cave left his position of comparative safely and boldly moved to the top of the ridge under an intense barrage laid down by the enemy. Encountering six Japanese as he scaled the incline, he immediately opened fire and despite the tremendous odds continued his accurate shelling until his weapon failed to function. Remaining steadfast and calm, he skillfully repaired his rifle and again opened fire, killing the six Japanese during the furious action and enabling his comrades to advance with demolitions and wipe out the entrenchment. By his superb marksmanship, daring initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, maintained in the face of grave peril, Private Wilson contributed to the sustained advance of his company and his courageous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.