Robert L . Wilson Robert Lee Wilson ( May 21 , 1920 – August 3 , 1944 ) was a United States Marine who posthumous ly received the Medal of Honor for heroism at the cost of his life on August 3 , 1944 , in the Marianas . Early life . Robert Lee Wilson was born on May 21 , 1920 in Centralia , Illinois . One of eight children , Wilson was considered his father ' s right - hand man around the farm , before enlisting in the Marine Corps in the fall of 1941 . " He was one of the best workers I ever saw , " the boy ' s father said when speaking of his 23 - year - old son . " None of my boys believed in waiting for the draft . They volunteered , " he added . Marine Corps service . Wilson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 9 , 1941 . He went to Chicago then to San Diego , California , for recruit training . He fought in practically every major engagement in the Pacific until the day of his death . A Presidential Unit Citation signed by Frank Knox , Secretary of the Navy , dated February 4 , 1943 , was awarded him as a member of the 1st Marine Division ( Reinforced ) , in the Solomons in August 1942 . Serving with the 2nd Marine Division ( Reinforced ) , Wilson received a second Presidential Unit Citation signed by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal " for outstanding performance of duty in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese held Atoll of Tarawa , Gilbert Islands , 20 - November 24 , 1943 . " In addition , Wilson received the Purple Heart with one gold star . At the time of his death , Wilson was serving with Company D , 2nd Pioneer Battalion , 18th Marines , 2nd Marine Division . The Medal of Honor was presented to his mother at a ceremony held on July 26 , 1945 , at the American Legion cottage in Centralia . Private First Class Wilson was initially buried in the military cemetery on Tinian , but was reinterred in Hillcrest Cemetery , Centralia , Illinois , in 1948 . Medal of Honor citation . The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT L . WILSON UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION : For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion , Sixth Marine Division , during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian Island , Marianas Group , on August 3 , 1944 . As one of a group of Marines advancing through heavy underbrush to neutralize isolated points of resistance , Private First Class Wilson daringly preceded his companions toward a pile of rocks where Japanese troops were supposed to be hiding . Fully aware of the danger involved , he was moving forward while the remainder of the squad armed with automatic rifles closed together in the rear , when an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group . Quick to act , Private First Class Wilson cried a warning to the men and unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade , heroically sacrificing his own life so that the others might live and fulfill their mission . His exceptional valor , courageous loyalty and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Wilson and the United States Naval Service . He gallantly gave his life for his country . / S / HARRY S . TRUMAN Namesake . The Gearing class destroyer , was launched on January 5 , 1946 and was commissioned on March 28 , 1946 . The USS Robert Wilson earned three battle stars for service during the Vietnam War . She was decommissioned on September 30 , 1974 .