Senate Approves Bill to Name Springfield Post Office After Col. John H. Wilson, Jr.

From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that their legislation to name the United States Post Office located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield, Illinois after Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. has passed unanimously in the Senate. The legislation must now pass the House of Representatives.

“I am proud that the Senate has recognized Colonel Wilson by unanimously passing this resolution,” said Durbin. “Colonel Wilson was a distinguished man of service 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. I hope that the House of Representatives will swiftly take up and pass this resolution so we can enact this fitting tribute to a true American hero.”

“As we celebrate Black History Month, it is fitting to bestow this honor on a hero like Col. John Wilson. 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’m glad to see that this Post Office designation is one step closer to becoming law and look forward to its passage in the House of Representatives,” said Hare.

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 in Illinois to be promoted to the rank of Colonel. He also provided outstanding service to his community in Springfield as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service 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.”