Wilson, Ross J., 1913-1996.

Ross Wilson was born in Kansas City, Mo. on February 8, 1913 and graduated from the Flathead County high school, Mont. (1931). In the 1930s, he worked as a building contractor and was a member of the Montana National Guard. Activated for duty with the 163rd Infantry, Wilson received a commission and was transferred to the 10th Mountain Division where he served as the commanding officer for the 1st Battalion of the 87th Infantry Regiment. During combat operations in Italy, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal at Mount Belvedere and a Silver Star medal for his actions during the Po River campaign. Additionally, Wilson was one of only six 10th Mountain soldiers to receive the Legion of Merit. Following the war, he worked as a district supervisor for the Mont. Fish and Game Department, and later as Flathead County Sheriff. Wilson died in Whitefish, Mont. on December 16, 1999.