He transferred to the Corps of Topographical Engineers in July 1862 and was awarded the Medal of Honor for fighting at the Battle of Malvern Hill in Virginia, on August 6, 1862.

He joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1863 and received three brevet promotions for gallant service in Alabama.

Wilson headed the divisions of the Chief's office pertaining to military affairs for four years, was in charge of public buildings and grounds in Washington during both Grover Cleveland administrations, and was Superintendent of West Point from 1889 to 1893 during the administration of President Benjamin Harrison.

General Wilson was a Companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

Citation: Remained on duty, while suffering from an acute illness and very weak, and participated in the action of that date.

A few days previous he had been transferred to a staff corps, but preferred to remain until the close of the campaign, taking part in several actions.Wilson was the son of Joseph Shields Wilson and his first wife Eliza Uhler Moulder.

[5] This article contains public domain text from "Brigadier General John Moulder Wilson".