101st Airborne Division 3rd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers take part in Heroes PT at Fort Campbell

Written by Sgt. Aaron Daugherty
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

Fort Campbell, KY – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conducted “Heroes PT” at Fort Campbell, KY, February 14th, 2019.

Heroes PT honors 187th Infantry Regiment Soldiers, typically Medal of Honor recipients. The workouts are grueling, intended to help participants better connect with the struggles of the hero.

Pfc. Richard Gene Wilson, Medical Company, Company I, 187th IN RGT was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 21st, 1950 in the Battle of Yongju.

Pfc. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action.

As medical aidman attached to Company I, he accompanied the unit during a reconnaissance-in-force through the hilly country near Opa-ri.

The main body of the company was passing through a narrow valley flanked on three sides by high hills when the enemy laid down a barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons, and small-arms fire. The company suffered a large number of casualties from the intense hostile fire while fighting its way out of the ambush.

Pfc. Wilson proceeded at once to move among the wounded and administered aid to them oblivious of the danger to himself, constantly exposing himself to hostile fire.

The company commander ordered a withdrawal as the enemy threatened to encircle and isolate the company. As his unit withdrew Pvt. Wilson assisted wounded men to safety and assured himself that none were left behind. After the company had pulled back he learned that a comrade previously thought dead had been seen to be moving and attempting to crawl to safety.

Despite the protests of his comrades, unarmed and facing a merciless enemy, Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous position in search of his comrade.

Two days later a patrol found him lying beside the man he returned to aid. He had been shot several times while trying to shield and administer to the wounded man.

Pfc. Wilson’s superb personal bravery, consummate courage, and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades reflect untold glory upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the military service.