The Memorial Chapel at Oreland Troop 1’s Hawk Mountain Camp is dedicated to the memory of Scouts who died while serving their country. Among those honored on the plaque that hangs about the archway at the entrance is David Ralph Wilson.
David Ralph Wilson was born on April 18, 1944. He was a Scout in Oreland Troop 1 from 1955 through 1963, and attended Springfield High School. While in Troop 1, he earned the rank of Eagle.
Following his time in Oreland Troop 1, Wilson attended Pennsylvania Military College, where he was commissioned into the United States Army during the Commencement Exercises of 1966.
David was killed in action in Vietnam on January 31, 1968. He was 23 years old.
For his actions on January 31, 1968, Wilson was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. His citation reads:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, 1LT Wilson, Transportation Corps, U.S. Army, distinguished himself on 31 January 1968 while serving Commander of a supply convoy in the Republic of Vietnam. Wilson’s convoy was subjected to fire by an enemy force. Although he was safely out of the danger zone, he unhesitatingly returned to the scene of the action to lead his men to safety. Many of the vehicles had halted in the kill zone and were subject to an intense enemy mortar and small arms fire. Passing through the ambush zone, 1LT Wilson, with complete disregard for his own safety, turned around and reentered the kill zone to insure the safe passage of the rear element of the convoy. While making this final courageous effort to insure the survival of these personnel, he was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar round falling on his vehicle. Through his extraordinary heroism and outstanding leadership ability, 1LT Wilson was able to save the lives of many of his personnel who otherwise would have been halted in the kill zone subject to the most intense enemy fire. 1LT Wilson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
During his service in Vietnam, David Wilson demonstrated extraordinary courage, leadership, and selflessness under fire. For his heroic actions in saving the lives of many of his men, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. His funeral was marked by full military honors, with six cadets serving as pallbearers and members of the Pennsylvania Military College Commandant’s Staff joining family, friends, and fellow servicemen in attendance. In December 1968, the Bien Hoa Cantonment Area in Vietnam was formally dedicated in his memory. During the ceremony, Brigadier General D.A. Richards, Commanding General of II Field Force Transportation units, paid tribute to Wilson’s character and sacrifice, stating: “David Wilson knew the meaning of valor … the meaning of caring … the meaning of responsibility, and to me, David Wilson represents the hope for the future!”
In 2003, an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Florida, was dedicated in his honor.
David’s sacrifice is remembered on Panel 36E, Line 43 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
He is buried at Whitemarsh Memorial Park on Limekiln Pike in Ambler.
David Wilson’s courage, leadership, and sacrifice continue to be remembered by Oreland Troop 1 and all who pass through the Memorial Chapel at Hawk Mountain Camp.