WASHINGTON  -  A bill to name Cape Girardeau’s U.S. Mail Processing and Distribution Facility for a Korean war hero, offered by U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08), will be considered in the U.S. House of Representatives tomorrow.  H.R. 4037 would dedicate the facility to Private First Class, Richard G. Wilson, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1951.

 

“P.F.C. Wilson left his home in Cape Girardeau to serve half a world away,” Emerson said.  “His story is inspirational and it reminds us of the selfless dedication of so many members of our armed services.  This is a fitting way to remember his sacrifice and to honor his memory.”

 

P.F.C. Wilson, 19, was killed in action when his unit came under attack near Opari, Korea.  A medic in the 187th airborne, P.F.C. Wilson returned to the field of battle, unarmed and against orders, to attempt to save the life of a soldier who was trying to crawl to safety.  Both were found killed, side by side, two days later.

 

“Our definition of the word hero has changed many times over the years, but P.F.C. Wilson is a hero for any era.  He is a proud son of Southern Missouri, and this is another fitting tribute to him.

 

“So many in our community have been moved by P.F.C. Wilson’s heroism over the years, and the regard for his service was evident in the overwhelming response to the effort to make this happen.  I would especially like to thank Tony Carroll for coordinating the petition drive, everyone who took time to sign the petition, and all of the members of the media who helped bring attention to P.F.C. Wilson’s story,” Emeron said.

 

The legislation will be considered Tuesday under suspension of the House rules, which means it must garner two-thirds of the votes cast for passage.