Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today introduced legislation to name the post office located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield after Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. 

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.”

“Colonel Wilson was a distinguished man of service and a true American hero,” said Durbin.  “As we prepare to inaugurate our first African-American President, there is no better time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who paved the way.  In addition to his time spent serving our country, Col. Wilson served my hometown of Springfield for 57 years as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service.  He often stopped by my office to share news and ensure we were receiving our constituent letters on time.  I hope my colleagues will join me in enacting this tribute to Col. Wilson.”

“I am extremely proud to introduce this legislation to honor a great American hero and pioneer,” Hare said. “While we celebrate the historic election of Barack Obama, it is also important to remember those that came before him. Colonel Wilson’s distinguished service—including becoming the first African-American Reservist from Illinois to achieve the rank of Colonel—helped open the door for so many others and provided a shining example of why the military should be desegregated. Colonel Wilson was also a longtime dedicated member of the U.S. Postal Service and the American Postal Workers Union. Bestowing his name on the Springfield post office where he served for so many years is the least we can do.”