The Philadelphia Police Department buried America’s finest yesterday.
Robert Wilson III, 30, was standing in line at a GameStop store, purchasing a toy for his 9-year-old son, when two armed robbers burst in on March 5. Wilson protected the other patrons by stepping out of line and drawing the thugs’ fire to himself, returning fire despite being shot 9 times, until he was killed. He shot one of the criminals in the leg. No one else was hurt. Two brothers, ages 29 and 24, were captured and face murder charges.
Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey, addressing a funeral audience that included police officers from around the nation, said Wilson’s actions “redefined what valor means, in my mind.” The Philadelphia PD honored Ramsey by awarding him a posthumous promotion to sergeant, its medal of honor, and renaming its valor medal for him.
You can make a donation to his family here. He leaves a domestic partner and two young children.