Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant [then Specialist Fifth Class] Paul J. Wilson, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Staff Sergeant Wilson distinguished himself by his actions at the scene of the crash of an Air Vietnam DC-6 at Nha Trang Air Base. Sergeant Wilson was driving a jeep in the vicinity of the base runway when he observed the civilian aircraft overshoot the runway in its landing approach, strike and overturn a jeep transporting three soldiers and crash in flames in a residential area. Sergeant Wilson rushed without hesitation to the overturned jeep under which two soldiers were pinned only fifteen meters from the exploding and blazing airliner. While flaming debris fell all about him, Sergeant Wilson quickly freed one soldier and dragged him clear of further danger. He then began working to free the other man but was forced backbit he extreme heat of the burning aircraft. As soon as the heat and flames of the blaze abated somewhat, Sergeant Wilson returned to the trapped soldier, dislodged him, and drove him to a waiting evacuation helicopter. Sergeant Wilson then came back to the crash scene to help contain the crowd of onlookers that had gathered. Staff Sergeant Wilson’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received