Robert E. Wilson

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Robert E. Wilson (Bob) was inducted into the Army on June 23, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

He served as a Private First Class and a cannoneer on a 75mm Howitzer in Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe.

Mr. Wilson shared the following: "Shipped to Naples, Italy, as a combat team on June 14, 1944. Fought north to Grosseto, Italy. Took off from Civitavecchia, Italy, at 0100 AM for the invasion of Southern France."

"Jumped at 0400 hrs over Le May, France. Broke my leg landing in the fog D+4 and was taken to Naples by hospital ship. I went AWOL from the hospital and went back to France to rejoin my outfit in the Maritime Alps."

"Outfit was relieved on D+94 and reassigned to Soissons, France. Went into the Battle of Bulge the night it started (Dec. 16-Feb 1945). VE Day at Camp Lucky Strike, Le Havre, France. Volunteered for the invasion of Japan."

He was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and two overseas service bars.

Mr. Wilson was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 343.