The theater room of the Rosewood Assisted Living Community was filled to the brim Sunday with people who were there to see retired Master Sgt. William Wilson receive a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service in the U.S. Army.
William Wilson, 98, was a combat medic in both World War II and the Korean War and served in the Army from November 1939 to November 1960.
His son, Ronald Wilson, organized the Quilt of Valor ceremony.
“I had to somehow put 98 outstanding years to service and country down on one page,” Ronald said, laughing. “Let me tell you, that was hard.”
Five generations of Wilsons were in attendance at the ceremony, as well as several friends of the family.
William Wilson’s daughter-in-law, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jean Wilson, presented the quilt to William Wilson.
“This valor quilt is presented on behalf of a very grateful nation,” she said.
The Quilt of Valor program began in 2003, when founder Catherine Roberts’ son was deployed to Iraq.
According to Roberts, the quilts are designed to be “the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart.”
William Wilson’s family was glad to be able to support him at the award ceremony.
“He’s a great man,” grandson Travis Wilson said. “I’m glad we were able to do this.”
artie@kdhnews.com
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