For extraordinary heroism while serving as Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 28 September 2011 while on a mounted patrol, Petty Officer Wilson volunteered to accompany the team’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician to clear an improvised explosive device (IED) from an Afghan Local Police checkpoint. As the EOD Tech entered the checkpoint’s barriers to inspect the IED, there was a larger explosion. Despite being disoriented by the dust and overpressure from the blast, and knowing the enemy’s tactic of emplacing multiple IEDs in proximity, Petty Officer Wilson immediately left the safety of his position and searched the checkpoint until he located the severely wounded EOD Tech. Two other team members arrived and were helping move the casualty when a second device exploded, severly wounding Petty Officer Wilson and mortallly wounding the others. Ignoring the pain of his own injuries, Petty Officer Wilson forcused solely on treating his fellow team members. He dragged one outside the checkpoint and rendered aid until he succumbed, and then searched for the other casualties, who had been blown over the barriers by the second blast. Only after confirming they were already dead did he allow treatment of his own wounds. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Wilson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Justin Wilson is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. His application was sponsored by Don Mason NC, our 2009-10 National Commander.