WWII MEDAL OF HONOR HERO DIES
Medal of Honor recipient and World War II combat veteran, hailed a hero, died Tuesday, May 9th, in Washington State.
On 30 October 1944, near St. Jacques, France, twenty-two-year-old, Private Wilburn K. Ross, displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, when he single-handedly held off numerous counter attacks by a full-strength German company of elite mountain troops, after his entrenched company had lost 55 out of 88 men in a devastating German attack. Using his light machinegun, he fired into the assaulting force with deadly accuracy, repelling the Germans again and again, who at times were only a stone’s throw away. Despite the hail of automatic gunfire and grenade explosions landing all around him, Pvt. Ross stopped the German advance over half a dozen times, with only eight surviving riflemen left, until running out of ammunition. Even then and after being advised to retreat, Pvt. Ross stood ready to fight to end, when unexpectedly he was resupplied with ammo. After reloading, Pvt. Ross unleashed Hell upon the advancing enemy, who were about to swarm his position, killing 40 and wounding another 10 Germans, forcing them to withdraw. Pvt. Ross saved the remnants of his company from destruction, remaining at his post that night and the following day for a total of 36 hours, until relieved.
Here is his Medal of Honor citation.
Ross returned to Kentucky after the war was over and became a highway patrolman with the state. He eventually returned to the Army and became a Master Sergeant. During a stint in Korea, his last combat duty, he was badly wounded. The injury was the fourth time he was wounded in the line of duty.
He eventually retired and settled in DuPont, Washington, where he became a bus driver for a Veterans Administration hospital.
He was twice honored with a commemorative stamp, in 1983 and 2013. Ross, a widower, is survived by his six children.
RIP, brother, HOOYAH. INVICTA
Executive Protection
7 年I have been fortunate to have met several while in the Corps and what amazed me the most was how kind and soft spoken they all where. Almost embarrassed by the attention. What amazing men.
Health & Safety Manager
7 年I have been lucky enough to meet two in my life.
Structural Heart Clinical GE Health Care
7 年I stand in awe of men like this.
Retired Chief of Police at City of Audubon Park
7 年Rest in Peace Master Sergeant Ross! Your sacrifice will not be forgotten, so sad to lose another WW II veteran as there are not many veterans from that war living. I am truly sorry that he passed away during a time when patriotism in our country not is not where it should be. I am sure that he would tell you he fought for the freedom for this great country and for people to have the right of free speech and expression! However, in my opinion he did not fight for colleges to refuse to display the United States of America flag ???? ! He did not fight for this countries schools to not teach of the great sacrifices of men like him in history classes! Nor did he fight for colleges to not allow conservative speakers at their colleges only because they did not have liberal views. Nor did he fight for speakers at college commencements to be canceled because of students not wanting them to speak. How can students believe in the right of "Freedom of Speech" when Schools cancel speakers because students do not like the speakers political views? Thank God there is still a large part of the population in our country that are patriotic and mourn the loss of World War II veterans like Master Sergeant Ross. Once again, "Rest in Peace Sir"!
Virtual Fire Protection Engineer
7 年RIP sir. You earned your rest.