Jan/Feb 2010 - Korean War Veterans Association

By Rick Peters
Folks in Southwestern Missouri provided a moving
“Welcome Home” for Sgt. Charles “Leo”
Wilson, who was KIA in Korea on or about
November 27, 1950. The nearby media release
from Fort Leonard Wood, MO, pictures of the
Harry S Truman Chapter presentation (framed
posters), and photos taken by the funeral director
en route from St Louis, MO to Ava, MO, (Sgt.
Wilson’s home town, ) and the memory sheet
from the memorial service demonstrate the
depths to which people went to bring Sgt. Wilson
home.
All along the route, from St Louis to Ava (about
140 miles), our fellow Americans turned out with
flags, salutes and tears to welcome Sgt. Wilson
home. The Patriot Guard escorting Sgt. Wilson
from St Louis to Ava started with about 40 riders.
At Rolla, MO, some 40 more joined them. That
was an amazing sight. When they arrived at Ava,
practically the entire town population of about
3,400 lined the procession route to welcome Sgt.
Wilson — after 59 years!! It was indeed emotional
and heartwarming!!
That first evening, as Sgt. Wilson lay in state,
more than 1,000 people came to pay their
respects. The family was just plain “overwhelmed”
by the turn-out to welcome Leo home.
I am now reassured that most Americans do still
care about our Warriors’ sacrifices.
Sgt. Wilson’s niece, who supplied the DNA to
identify Leo, wrote a welcome home letter which
was read at the memorial service; it was beautiful,
poignant, and emotional.
Sgt. Wilson was buried in the Vera Cruz cemetery,
where his parents and grandparents are
(about 10 miles east of Ava, MO), in the area
where he spent his youth. Now, after 59 years,
he is home. I’m sure that God, in his infinite wisdom
and mercy, long ago found a special place
for Sgt. Wilson. Finally, he can rest with his family
and friends for eternity.
One last note: Vera Cruz Cemetery is in a remote
area. The low-water bridge that guards the
approach to the cemetery was impassable for
vehicles, so the Honor Guard carried Sgt Wilson
the last 200 yards in 95 degree heat, followed by
ranks of veterans, family and friends.
I am still moved to tears by the respect shown
Sgt. Wilson by our fellow Americans. I’m honored
to have served and I’m truly honored to be
an American.
Rich Peters, Adjutant, Ch 135, Harry S Truman,
(417) 546-2564/(417) 230-1502 (cell),
richard495@centurytel.net
A large U.S. flag welcomes Sgt Wilson home
Getting closer to home
The crowds—and respect for Sgt Wilson—continue to grow
A moving ‘Welcome