| Notes |
- Newspaper Article - February 4, 1965 Pulaski Democrat - R.G. Wilson Marine Grad - Parris Island, S.C.-Marine Private Robert G. Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant O. Wilson of Richland, N. Y., graduated Jan. 26, from recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island S.C. The training included drill bayonet, training, physical fitness, parades and ceremonies and other military subjects. Three weeks were spent on the rifle range, firing the M-14 rifles and other infantry weapons. Recruit training prepares Marines for further specialized attaining in a service school or with a further unit of the Fleet Marine Force. He will now report to Camp Lejune, N.C. for further combat infantry training.
Newspaper Obituary - November 17, 1966 Sandy Creek News - Richland Marine Drowns in Sea - Robert O. Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Wilson of Richland, was drowned Monday, Nov. 7, 1966 while swimming in the sea in Viet Nam during a recreation break. First word of the 20-year-old Marine's death was personally given his parents by Lt. Col. E.S. Baker, USMC, from Mattydale, with a telegram from the Defense Department later in the day confirming the tragic news. Robert, who was born Oct. 24, 1946, graduated from Pulaski Academy and Central School in June 1964 and worked as a carpenter with his father until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Fall of 1964. He received his basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and later was transfered to Camp Pendleton, Calif., leaving there for Viet Nam last June 6. He was stationed in the war area with a supply unit. At PACS he was active in the Art Club, bowling, track squad and senior play. Surviving besides his parents are two sisters, Gail and Linda, and four brothers, Stephen, Terry, Thomas and Paul, all at home, his patenal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson of Rossie, and his great-grandfather, John Brown, a patient in Mercy Hospital, Watertown.
Newspaper Obituary - Thursday, November 17, 1966 Pulaski Democrat - Last Rites Saturday for Cpl. Robert Wilson, USMC - Last rites for Cpl. Robert G. Wilson, 20, USMC, will be held saturday with a private prayer at 1:30 p.m. from the home at 8625 Wilder Drive, Richland, and services were at 2 p.m. at the Richland Methodist Church. The Rev. Nelson Reppert, pastor, will officiate with burial in Richland cemetery. Friends may call at the home Thursday (today) and Friday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. There will be full military honors by the Inspector Instructor Staff, 4th Tank Batallion, USMC, Mattydale. Honorary bearers will be members of the 4th Tank Batallion under the direction of Col. Edward S. Baker, Jr. Cpl. Wilson's death is believed to be the first Viet Nam casualty from this area. The young Marine, who was in combat duty in Viet Nam, drowned Nov. 6, while swimming in the sea during a recreational period. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Grant Wilson of Richland; two sisters, Gail and Linda; four brothers, Stephen, Terry, Thomas and Paul, all at home; his grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. George Wilson of Rossie; and great grandfather, John Brown, a patient in Mercy Hospital in Watertown. Cpl. Wilson was born at Gouverneur, Oct 24, 1946, the son of Grant and Norma Tilkins Wilson. He graduated from Pulaski Central School in 1964, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in the fall of 1964. Attached to a supply unit, he had servied in Viet Nam since June 6, 1966. Bob was born October 24, 1946 in Gouverneur the son of Grant & Norma (Tilkins) Wilson. Grant was originally from Heuvalton, NY and after their marriage the couple lived in Philadelphia & Antwerp for the first few years where the eldest children were born. He began school at Pleasant Lake September 4, 1951. The family moved to Richland in March 1952 and he commenced school in there. During his high school years Robert was active in bowling league and art club. When he passed Miss Ostrynski presented many of his drawings to the Wilsons that are still treasured by the family. From the time he was twelve Robert delivered the Watertown Daily Times, after his graduation his brothers Steve and Terry took over the route. Following graduation Bob worked as a carpenter with his father until he enlisted in the US Marines November 2, 1964. He took his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina graduating January 20, 1965. He was then sent to supply training at Camp Lejeune, NC graduating May 25, 1965 as a Lance Corporal. He later was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California where he stayed a year and a half. Upon leaving Camp Pendleton he earned the rank of Corporal. Bob was sent to Vietnam June 6, 1966 and served in supply support near DaNang, attached to Fleet stock account in Force Logistic Support Group. In this capacity Bob worked in an office in charge of supplies for the Marines. During recreational break at the Navy Supply site on November 6, 1966 Robert and two companions were swimming at Red Beach just north of DeNang. The three were caught up in a strong undertow, the two other men made it to shore, while Robert was swept away. His body was recovered the following day and was returned to his family and interned in Richland Cemetery. His family and friends remember Bob him as an active youth. Classmate Carl Steele recalls time in cub scouts and the soap box derby cars they made. His sister Gail Wilson remembers these cars and later racing them down Wilder Drive hill in Richland. Bob enjoyed fishing and camping with friends and family. Sister Linda recalls Bob and his friend Charles VanBuran collected baseball cards and comic book together.
Class of 1964 PACS
|
1946 - 1966 (20 years)