WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that legislation to rename the Cape Girardeau U.S. Mail Processing and Distribution Facility in honor of Korean war hero Richard G. Wilson is signed, sealed, and delivered.

 

“I’m so glad to report that both houses of Congress have passed the bill and that President Bush has signed it.  The Richard G. Wilson postal facility is a reality and a proud symbol for our community,”  Emerson said.  “So many people worked very hard to make this idea happen, and I would like to thank everyone involved.  Our veterans are such an important part of Southern Missouri life.  This honor for a true hero bears our philosophy of recognizing service to our country above and beyond the call of duty.”

 

Medal of Honor winner 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.

 

Emerson said an event will be planned at the postal facility later this fall.

 

In her remarks during debate on the bill in May, 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.”