Petition seeks to rename postal distribution center after vet

The Cape Girardeau Processing and Distribution Facility at 475 Kell Farm Drive in Cape Girardeau may have a new name if a petition is successful.

Anthony Carroll, a retired Vietnam veteran employed by the U.S. Postal Service, and employees of the postal distribution center are petitioning Congress to rename the processing plant after Pfc. Richard G. Wilson, who served in the Korean War and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.

A public copy of the petition may be signed at the city manager's office, 401 Independence.

Carroll has the blessing of Wilson's family and management at the facility to have the facility renamed.

Wilson has two family members in Cape Girardeau -- a brother, Ronald R. Wilson, and his mother, Alice M. Wilson.

"We're always grateful that Richard's honored the way he has been," Ronald Wilson said. "Efforts started by veterans at the post office are very gratifying."

An elementary school in Fort Benning, Ga., was named for him, as was a main medical dispensary at Fort Leonard Wood and a movie theater at Fort Campbell, the home of the 101st Airborne. A painting that was commissioned by his unit hangs in the Medical Museum at Fort Sam Houston in Texas.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for military valor. It is bestowed only by act of Congress. The award was accepted by his widow, Yvonna, at the Pentagon on June 21, 1951.

Wilson was found dead Oct. 21, 1950, near Opari, Korea.

His company was passing through a valley when the enemy opened fire. Wilson aided the wounded, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire. As his unit withdrew, Wilson helped wounded men to safety. After the company had pulled back, he learned that a soldier given up for dead had been seen moving. Unarmed, Wilson returned to the position to find that soldier.

Two days later, a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to help.

"My mother always said, Richard is symbolic of all who died there," Ronald Wilson said. "It is important for all who died and all who served to be honored."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133