[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN TRIBUTE TO THE LATE GENERAL LOUIS H. WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the 
late General Louis H. Wilson, a World War II veteran, a recipient of 
the Medal of Honor, and 26th Commandant of the United States Marine 
Corps. General Wilson was also a recipient of the Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for ``exceptionally 
distinguished service'' during his four-year tenure as Commandant and 
his contributions as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He leaves 
his wife, the former Jane Clark of Pearson, Mississippi and one 
daughter, Janet. Our country lost a strong leader, courageous Marine, 
and dedicated patriot upon the passing of General Wilson.
  Born February 11, 1920, in Brandon, Mississippi, General Wilson 
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Millsaps College, Jackson, 
Mississippi. In May 1941, he embarked upon his path of commendable 
service in the Marine Corps Reserve, as he enlisted and was 
commissioned a second lieutenant. As a young Marine, Wilson 
participated in the ferocious battle to liberate Guam. His actions 
during fierce combat on Guam, which was heavily occupied by the enemy 
for 32 months, earned him the Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest 
award for heroism and leadership. Wilson was promoted to the rank of 
Captain while serving overseas with the 9th Marines in 1943. His tour 
in the Pacific Theater took him to Guadalcanal, Efate, and 
Bougainville. In December 1944, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., 
where he served as Detachment Commander at the Marine Barracks and was 
presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman.
  The Medal of Honor was but the first accolade bestowed upon General 
Wilson during his service in the Marine Corps. In March 1970, Wilson 
was promoted to Major General. General Wilson was also awarded two 
additional Legion of Merit medals and the Korean Order of National 
Security Merit, GUK-SEON Medal, 2d Class and the Philippine Legion of 
Honor (Degree of Commander) for his service in those countries. On July 
1, 1975, General Wilson received his final promotion to General when he 
assumed the office of Commandant of the Marine Corps.
  As Commandant, General Wilson advocated modernization of the post-
Vietnam Marine Corps for the protection of his corps. His indomitable 
leadership and relentless dedication enhances the highest traditions of 
our country. I join the millions of Marines and their families in 
mourning the passing of this honorable man. General Wilson will always 
have a special place in the hearts of the people of Guam.

                          ____________________