Wilmer Dwayne Wilson

The database page for Wilmer Dwayne Wilson

3 Feb 2005 Wilmer Dwayne Wilson was born and raised in Sweetwater, Texas. He nlisted in the Navy after graduating from Sweetwater High School in 1966. He trained as a Hospital Corpman and was assigned to the 9th Marines in Vietnam. He was killed in hostile action on April 16, 1968. He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and his second Purple Heart. He was buried with full military honors in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sweetwater, Texas. He is remembered by his community and by the Permian Basin Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Midland, Texas. May his sacrifice not be forgotten. 13 Dec 2005 The picture from the 1966 Sweetwater High School Annual was supplied by a classmate, Elaine Gibson. Wilmer Dwayne Wilson was known as Dwayne by his friends and classmates. From a PBVVM representative, Billy M. Brown 4015 Melody Lane, Odessa, Texas 79762 bmbrown@grandecom.net Viet Victim's Services Friday Funeral services for Wilmer Dwayne Wilson, killed April 16 in combat in Vietnam, will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the Fundamental Baptist Church, with Rev. Raymond Dunn, pastor, officiating. Assisting will be the Rev. E. H. Martin and the Rev. Milton Jochetz, pastor of Highland Heights Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories with military rites conducted by the U.S. Naval Reserve Unit from Abilene. Patterson Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. A U. S. Navy hospital corpsman, Wilson was attached to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. He was born in Sweetwater April 15, 1948, and joined the Navy soon after leaving Sweetwater High School in 1966. Local business firms will be closed at 4 p.m. Friday for a 30-minute period during the funeral services. Jaycees urged local firms to fly their flags at half mast Friday. Survivors include his parents; three sisters, Bonnie, Mary and Linda; three brothers, Gary, Buford and Lawrence all of the home. Transcribed from an article in the Sweetwater Daily Reporter, Sweetwater, Texas date unknown. Billy M. Brown 12-13-2005

A Note from The Virtual Wall In April 1968, after the seige of the Khe Sanh Combat Base had been broken, the Commanding General, 3rd MAF, wanted to abandon the base but was over-ruled by General Westmoreland. Given that large NVA forces remained in the area aggressive patrolling of the surrounding area was necessary in order to protect the Khe Sanh forces. On the morning of 16 April, the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, was holding a defensive perimeter on Hill 869 near Khe Sanh. At 0700 a two platoons from Alpha 1/9 set out on a patrol to the southwest of Hill 689. While moving up a ridgeline, the patrol engaged an NVA force dug in atop the ridge, an engagement which developed into a full-fledged battle that continued through the night of 16/17 April. While the Marines did eject the NVA from the ridge, they endured heavy losses - 41 Marines and sailors killed and 32 wounded. HN Wilson was one of three Corpsmen killed in the battle. "You guys are the Marine's doctors - There's none better in the business than a Navy Corpsman ..." -- Lieutenant General "Chesty" Puller -- Visit John Dennison's Medics on the Wall memorial which honors the Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen who died in Vietnam.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009