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Contact Info
Home Town Boulder, CO
Last Address Annapolis, MD
Date of Passing Dec 21, 1990
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
Upon his retirement from the Navy, Vice Admiral Ralph Ensign Wilson became a member and chairman of the Federal Maritime Board, 1960-1964, and the Maritime Administrator with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Other Comments:
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
General Orders: Commander South Pacific Force and Area: Serial 76 (January 22, 1943)
Action Date: October 11 - 12, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Buchanan (DD-484)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Ralph Ensign Wilson (NSN: 0-58506), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. BUCHANAN (DD-484), which was badly damaged during the engagement with Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance, on the night of 11 - 12 October 1942. During the height of the engagement, Commander Wilson conducted the rear destroyer group in a most commendable manner. His expert and courageous handling of his ship placed the destroyer in a most advantageous position and enabled torpedoes to be fired with great accuracy, resulting in the sinking of an enemy cruiser. His heroic conduct throughout the action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
