A Century In The Making: World War Two Veteran Turns 100

Submitted by Barbara Freeman

      Fred Walker Wilson was born in Hosford, Florida on October 9, 1923. He moved to the West Palm Beach area with his family in 1936.

At 17 years of age Fred wanted to enlist in the Army but was too young and his mother had to sign for him.

Fred became an Army truck operator. He served with the 2019^th Quartermaster Truck Co. in England, France and Germany. Fred drove Army cars and trucks up to 2 ½  tons hauling supplies, equipment and most importantly gasoline for the 9^thAirborne. This was an extremely dangerous job.

Fred was honorably discharged in 1945. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and ATO Medal.

Fred married Ruth Jones Wilson in 1946 and to this union one child was born, Barbara Celine. Ruth transitioned in 2015 at the age of 90.

Fred became a member of the MASONS, 7th degree, Red Lodge in 1948.After the war, Fred worked in a men’s store for a while and later for a moving Company. He was famous for packing kitchens and delicate items and NEVER breaking anything.  Fred worked until the age of 93.

Fred is blessed to have a sharp mind, takes only two medications and walks two blocks a day to the corner store. They refer to “Mr. Fred” as the unofficial Security guard.

In his free time, he loves watching Westerns and listening to swing music while reading and memorizing the bios of each artist.

Fred was asked to join the Southeast Florida Honor Flight in 2017. Fred is being celebrated by family and friends on October 8 at his daughters’ home. Commissioner Lawrence Martin is providing fire trucks and all the bells and whistles to commemorate the occasion.

He is affectionately known as “FRED THE MAN”!