Born at Vashon, Washington on June 2, 1921, he enlisted in the Army in the summer of 1940 and was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

On June 6, just one day after that exploit, First Sergeant Ben Wilson killed 33 more Chinese soldiers with his rifle, bayonet, and hand grenades in another one-man assault.

Company I was committed to attack and secure commanding terrain stubbornly defended by a numerically superior hostile force emplaced in well-fortified positions.

After the assault platoon moved up, occupied the position, and a base of fire was established, he led a bayonet attack which reduced the objective and killed approximately 27 hostile soldiers.

After the position was organized, he led an assault carrying to approximately 15 yards of the final objective, when enemy fire halted the advance.

1st Lt. Wilson's sustained valor and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.