Military Veterans

Celebration of Freedom panel

Roger G. Wilson

Date of Birth

13 May 1917

Date of Death

10 January 1945

Brick Location

Liberty Side

Panel Number

13B

Biography

Staff Sergeant Roger G. Wilson served in the U.S. Army during World War II—1941 - 1945.   His unit was the 169th Infantry Regiment which was part of the 43rd Infantry Division, and he was killed in action (KIA) 10 January 1945.

In January 1945 the 43rd Infantry Division participated in the amphibious landing at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Philippines.

Combat Chronicle
The 43d Infantry Division landed in New Zealand on 23 October 1942.
On 19 July 1944, the Division assumed defensive positions at Aitape, engaged in patrols and reconnaissance at Tadji and along the Drinumor River, 25 July, and took the offensive, 8 August 1944, ending organized resistance on the 25th.
On 9 January 1945, the 43rd made an assault landing in the San Fabian area, Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. Under enemy fire, the Division secured the beachhead and fought into the Lingayen Plain until 12 February.
This was the battle in which Staff Sergeant WIlson was killed.
The offensive was resumed against the enemy north and west of Fort Stotsenburg, 27 February.
After ending Japanese resistance in the Zambales Mountains with help from the Philippine Commonwelth forces, the 43d swung south against the Shimbu Line. On 6 May 1945, the attack continued in the Bulucan area. Ipo Dam was secured and enemy opposition smashed in the Ipo area, 19 May.
Mopping-up activities continued until 30 June 1945. The Division left Manila, 7 13 September, for occupation duty in Japan until it left for home.

Branch:

U.S. Army

Rank

Staff Sergeant

Years

World War II—1941 - 1945

Duty

169th Infantry Regiment