Vernon Vet With 'Remarkable' Service Record Gets Lost Medals

VERNON, CT — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney has made it a habit in his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives to find lost medals for service men and women who had never received them, but when he talks about Jerad Wilson, he continually uses one word — remarkable.

Last week, Courtney (CT-02) hosted a military award ceremony at the Rockville Public Library to honor the life of Wilson. His family was present to accept the medals on his behalf.

Wilson (1948-2019) was born in Manchester, and lived in Vernon his entire life. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from June 1969 to December 1970, where he attained the rank of Spec 4.

During his time in the Army, he was assigned to the 56th Signal Company 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, and later the 2nd Battalion 502nd Infantry 101 Airborne where he served as a Radio Operator.

"For such a short time, he saw a lot of action," Courtney said. "It's remarkable."

Wilson's family received the following medals:

• Bronze Star Medal
• Army Commendation Medal w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
• National Defense Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon W/device (1960)
• Marksman Badge w/Auto Rifle Bar, w/Grenade, w/Rifle Bar