FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBUROUGH, Afghanistan – Marines gathered to remember and celebrate the life of a squad leader with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, May 18.
Sergeant Wade D. Wilson died while conducting combat operations in Musa Qa’leh District, May 11, when an insurgent opened fire about 25 meters away from him.
“He gave his life with his weapon drawn between an insurgent and another Marine,” said 1st Lt. John D. Black, Wilson’s platoon commander.
Wilson, 22, from Centerville, Texas, is remembered as more than a leader by his Marines. His confidence and decision-making skills gave Marines around him the feeling of safety.
“His fellow Marines respected him for his warfighting focus,” said Lt. Col. Perry, battalion commander, 2nd Bn., 5th Marines. “He was a fearless fighter, and aggressive under fire. He exuded confidence that gave those around him the feeling of security and resolve.”
Marines Wilson worked with were appreciative of his leadership and judgment.
“We could always count on his leadership and his ability to make quick decisions in even the worst situations,” said Cpl. Austin J. Lockey, an infantryman subordinate to Wilson. “Everything you would expect out of a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps infantry, he delivered on.”
“He was one of those guys you could come to no matter what it was, and he would always be able to help. You really couldn’t ask for more in a leader or in a friend,” said Lockey.
Wilson’s Marines knew what his thoughts on possibly dying where well before he was struck down.
“He knew this was a possibility and told me himself if it came down to it he was ready,” said Lockey. “The most important thing he would want us to remember is we still have a fight ahead of us. At the end of the day, and what I think we should remember, is that Sgt. Wilson’s Marines are what he died for.”
Wilson will be remembered by all those he worked with, and he will be remembered as a leader who died trying to help his fellow Marines.
“His priceless trait was that he definitely cared for everybody he worked with and put their well being before his own,” said Black.