On the invitation of Dave's sister, Ellen Wilson Holler, my wife and I were privileged to attend the ceremony dedicating the Orlando (FL) Armed Forces Reserve Center in Dave Wilson's name... Dave was my roommate for the first semester of our sophomore year and I had immense respect for him as a person, a fellow cadet, and classmate. Our classmate Steve Tochterman was also present at the ceermony.
The following taken from the Unit History of the 64th Transportation Company speaks for itself:
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On 4 Oct 03, in Orlando Fl, there was a dedication ceremony for the lLT David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center.
Dale Sindt, now a Colonel in the U. S. Army Reserve, who was a platoon leader with David Wilson, took action to so name this Center.
The Center covers 120,000 square feet and is a beautiful $16 million assembly hall and auditorium and training facility.
The Silver Star citation for 1LT Wilson is as follows:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, 1LT Wilson, Transportation Corps, U.S. Army, distinguished himself on 31 January 1968 while serving Commander of a supply convoy in the Republic of Vietnam.
Wilson’s convoy was subjected to fire by an enemy force. Although he was safely out of the danger zone, he unhesitatingly returned to the scene of the action to lead his men to safety.
Many of the vehicles had halted in the kill zone and were subject to an intense enemy mortar and small arms fire. Passing through the ambush zone, 1LT Wilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, turned around and reentered the kill zone to insure the safe passage of the rear element of the convoy. While making this final courageous effort to insure the survival of these personnel, he was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar round falling on his vehicle.
Through his extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership ability, 1LT Wilson was able to save the lives of many of his personnel who otherwise would have been halted in the kill zone subject to the most intense enemy fire.
1Lt Wilson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himsef, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Dave's bravery was also in keeping with his experience in the learning experiences that we shared at Pennsylvania Military College with our fellow Cadets of the Class of 1966...
Way to go Dave Wilson..." A Silver Star"... I never knew and I'm sure many classmates didn't as well. Rest in peace brother! I remember you from the "Old Three Story TKE house", you were a great "thumper player"
D. Clark Wonderland
1Lt. David R Wilson was killed on 01/31/1968 in Binh Dinh, Vietnam. I do not have Dave's unit or position.
Dave's name is found on Panel 36E Line 043.
W. David III Eckard
On the invitation of Dave's sister, Ellen Wilson Holler, my wife and I were privileged to attend the ceremony dedicating the Orlando (FL) Armed Forces Reserve Center in Dave Wilson's name... Dave was my roommate for the first semester of our sophomore year and I had immense respect for him as a person, a fellow cadet, and classmate. Our classmate Steve Tochterman was also present at the ceermony.
The following taken from the Unit History of the 64th Transportation Company speaks for itself:
------------
On 4 Oct 03, in Orlando Fl, there was a dedication ceremony for the lLT David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center.
Dale Sindt, now a Colonel in the U. S. Army Reserve, who was a platoon leader with David Wilson, took action to so name this Center.
The Center covers 120,000 square feet and is a beautiful $16 million assembly hall and auditorium and training facility.
The Silver Star citation for 1LT Wilson is as follows:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, 1LT Wilson, Transportation Corps, U.S. Army, distinguished himself on 31 January 1968 while serving Commander of a supply convoy in the Republic of Vietnam.
Wilson’s convoy was subjected to fire by an enemy force. Although he was safely out of the danger zone, he unhesitatingly returned to the scene of the action to lead his men to safety.
Many of the vehicles had halted in the kill zone and were subject to an intense enemy mortar and small arms fire. Passing through the ambush zone, 1LT Wilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, turned around and reentered the kill zone to insure the safe passage of the rear element of the convoy. While making this final courageous effort to insure the survival of these personnel, he was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar round falling on his vehicle.
Through his extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership ability, 1LT Wilson was able to save the lives of many of his personnel who otherwise would have been halted in the kill zone subject to the most intense enemy fire.
1Lt Wilson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himsef, his unit, and the United States Army.
------------
Dave's bravery was also in keeping with his experience in the learning experiences that we shared at Pennsylvania Military College with our fellow Cadets of the Class of 1966...
Robert J. Grosch
Way to go Dave Wilson..." A Silver Star"... I never knew and I'm sure many classmates didn't as well. Rest in peace brother! I remember you from the "Old Three Story TKE house", you were a great "thumper player"
Charles L. Eichenberg, Jr
Dave is interred at Whitemarch Memorial Park, Prospectville, PA.
D. Clark Wonderland