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William H. Wilbur
FULL
MEDAL OF HONOR
CITATION
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Place: Fedala, North Africa
Date: Nov. 8, 1942
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army, Western Task Force, North
Africa |
The
President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March
3, 1863, has awarded in the name of The Congress the Medal of Honor to
Colonel
William H. Wilbur
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
*WILBUR, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army, Western Task Force, North Africa.
Place and date: Fedala, North Africa, 8 November 1942. Entered service at:
Palmer, Mass. Birth: Palmer, Mass. G.O. No.: 2, 13 January 1943. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of
duty. Col. Wilbur prepared the plan for making contact with French commanders in
Casablanca and obtaining an armistice to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. On 8
November 1942, he landed at Fedala with the leading assault waves where
opposition had developed into a firm and continuous defensive line across his
route of advance. Commandeering a vehicle, he was driven toward the hostile
defenses under incessant fire, finally locating a French officer who accorded
him passage through the forward positions. He then proceeded in total darkness
through 16 miles of enemy-occupied country intermittently subjected to heavy
bursts of fire, and accomplished his mission by delivering his letters to
appropriate French officials in Casablanca. Returning toward his command, Col.
Wilbur detected a hostile battery firing effectively on our troops. He took
charge of a platoon of American tanks and personally led them in an attack and
capture of the battery. From the moment of landing until the cessation of
hostile resistance, Col. Wilbur's conduct was voluntary and exemplary in its
coolness and daring.
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