WASHINGTON  -  A bill offered by U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) to name the Cape Girardeau U.S. Mail Processing and Distribution Facility passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 392-041.  The facility would be named for Korean war hero Private First Class Richard Wilson, a Korean War hero from Cape Girardeau who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1951.

 

“P.F.C. Wilson is a symbol of patriotism and valor for Southern Missouri, where we have a long tradition of service to our country,” Emerson said.

 

“I am so proud for the Wilson family, and everyone in our community owes a debt of gratitude to Tony Carroll, who coordinated the petition drive.  This is a great day for Southern Missouri, and this bill represents the hard work and sacrifice of generations of veterans.  P.F.C. Wilson’s name will deservedly go on the postal facility, but this bill is a proud symbol for all of the men and women from Southern Missouri who have served our nation with honor and distinction,” Emerson said.

 

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.

 

In her remarks during debate on the bill, Emerson said that P.F.C. Wilson, “exemplifies the valor of so many men and women who have served our nation in uniform.  This simple reminder of his brave actions will stand as a testament in Cape Girardeau that we respect his sacrifice – but it also will signal that we wish him to serve as an example for generations of Americans to come.  With this designation, we claim him for our own, and honor his memory.  Our definition of the word “hero” has changed over the years,
but P.F.C. Wilson is a hero for any era, by any definition.”