Bill to Name Springfield Post Office After Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. Headed to President's Desk
[WASHINGTON, DC] – The House of Representatives today gave final passage to legislation introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) to name the post office located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield after Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. The bill now heads to the President’s desk.
“Colonel Wilson was a true American hero who served our country during World War II and served my hometown of Springfield for 57 years as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service,” said Durbin. “Having the post office in Springfield named after Colonel Wilson is a fitting tribute to this distinguished man of service. I am proud to join my colleagues in both the House and Senate in enacting this resolution.”
“As we celebrate Black History Month, it is fitting to bestow this honor on a hero like Col. John Wilson,” Hare said. “Whether it was his courage in becoming the first African-American Reservist from Illinois to achieve the rank of Colonel or his longtime work as a member of the U.S. Postal Service in Springfield, Col. Wilson dedicated his entire life to the service of others. I look forward to seeing President Obama sign this post office designation into law.”
Colonel Wilson fought bravely during World War II and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves and became the first African American from Illinois to be promoted to the rank of Colonel. Colonel Wilson was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Springfield for 57 years, providing outstanding service to his community for over half a century. Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth called him a “true American leader and hero.” Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin said naming a post office in Colonel Wilson’s honor will give the citizens of Springfield “the opportunity and privilege to learn about his life of service.”