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Alfred M. Wilson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alfred Mac Wilson (January 13, 1948 – March 3, 1969) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in March 1969.
Quick Facts Nickname(s), Born ...
Alfred Mac Wilson | |
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![]() Alfred M. Wilson, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient | |
Nickname(s) | "Mac" |
Born | (1948-01-13)January 13, 1948 Olney, Illinois, US |
Died | March 3, 1969(1969-03-03) (aged 21) near Firebase Cunningham, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1967–1969 |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | Company M, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
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While returning from a reconnaissance mission during Operation Dewey Canyon, Wilson's platoon was ambushed, and their machine gunner and assistant were wounded. While facing enemy fire to retrieve the weapon, an enemy hand grenade was thrown between Wilson and a fellow Marine. Wilson threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the full force of the blast, sacrificing his life to save another.