William H. Wilbur
| William Hale Wilbur | |
|---|---|
Wilbur receiving the Medal of Honor from President Franklin Roosevelt. General Patton at right, General Marshall at back left.
|
|
| Born |
September 24, 1888 Palmer, Massachusetts |
| Died | December 27, 1979 (aged 91) |
| Place of burial | West Point Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/ |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1912 - 1947 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General
|
| Commands held | 60th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II *Operation Torch |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor Silver Star Bronze Star Legion of Merit (2) Combat Infantryman Badge |
| Other work | Law Enforcement, Warden and a member of the Chicago Crime Commission |
William Hale Wilbur (September 24, 1888 – December 27, 1979) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
Wilbur was born September 24, 1888 in Palmer, Massachusetts. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1912 and joined the Army from his birth city of Palmer, Massachusetts. He also attended the French military academy École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr as a classmate of Charles de Gaulle and saw combat in World War I. He commanded the 60th Infantry Regiment from 1941 to 1942.
On November 8, 1942 Wilbur, now a colonel, participated in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of French North Africa. He served on the staff of Major General George S. Patton as part of the Western Task Force, charged with capturing the city of Casablanca, Morocco, from the Vichy French forces. Several American officers, including Wilbur, were chosen to carry messages to French commanders who were believed to be sympathetic towards the Allies. Wilbur was to contact Admiral François Michelier, commander of the French naval forces in Casablanca, and deliver to him a letter from General Patton. The Allies hoped to gain assistance from these French commanders, or at least convince them to lay down their arms and not oppose the invasion.
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