Robert S. Wilson
(1924-1963)
F-86 Combat Pilot
Korean War Veteran
100 Combat Missions
Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism
Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters
Robert S. Wilson grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Tower Hill High School and the University of Delaware prior to his graduation from The United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA) in the Class of 1946. He earned his pilot wings as an Air Cadet Reconnaissance pilot and, upon graduation from USMA, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (USAF). Bob flew America’s first successful turbojet-powered combat aircraft, the F-80 Shooting Star. Flying reconnaissance for the USAF in the Korean War, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism having flown over 100 combat missions. In addition, he was also awarded the Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters for aerial flight over enemy territory.
As expected, the mainstay of his life became reflected in West Point’s motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ with unabashed pride in his accomplishments, his comrades, and himself. His father’s service as an Army Major during WWII gave Bob both pride and perspective on his future career in the military.
During his military career, Bob achieved the rank of Captain and earned degrees in Reconnaissance Systems Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering at Wright Patterson AFB. Although flying was truly his passion, a physical disability changed the course of his life’s ambitions in 1956. Transitioning to civilian life, he worked for the DuPont Company as an Industrial Engineer and Computer Systems Specialist while also pursuing a degree in Statistics and Business Law.
Always a family man, his immediate family was a great source of pride to him. His wife, Ruth, whom he married in 1946, along with their daughters, Erica, Debbie, and Cindy, gave him much enjoyment in life. His daughters reflect his sincere enthusiasm for life and gave him great purpose. Theirs is a proud heritage. His parents, his two brothers, and many friends will never forget the example he set for all, for here indeed was a complete man in the brevity of 39 years of life.
