Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    274th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    70th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 3, 1945

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 4 (January 21, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Harold D. Wilson (ASN: 0-1326437), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company I, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division in France on 3 March 1945. During the attack on Styring-Wendel, as Executive Officer, he was with the forward element of his company. Although wounded in the head, and after losing two platoon leaders and numerous noncommissioned officers, he led his men forward through heavy artillery, mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire to knock out two well-fortified pillboxes and to clear the enemy from fortified buildings. He continuously exposed himself to enemy fire in order to encourage and lead his men to safety in buildings. Lieutenant Wilson was shot and killed by an enemy sniper.