Welcome to The Homer L. Wise Memorial Committee website!
The Homer L. Wise Memorial Committee, Inc. is in the process of raising funds to erect a bronze statue in Stamford, CT of Master Sergeant Homer L. Wise awarded the Medal of Honor on June 14, 1944. Sergeant Wise was one of the most decorated infantrymen of World War II.
A soldier during World War II, Homer Lee Wise was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts and ten other decorations.
One of the most honored soldiers of all time, he made it a quiet point of honor to never mention them to anyone. His own son only found out when he was twelve, from a friend.
In not mentioning-for almost a quarter of a century, that he was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, when doing so would almost certainly have been to his material benefit, he teaches us a lesson worth sharing, and that is exactly what we plan to do by erecting a statue of Homer with a plaque explaining what he did, and why after the war he never mentioned it to anyone, leading the life of an ordinary citizen of Stamford, when of course he was anything but ordinary.
We ask only that you view our website and read about Homer Lee Wise's extraordinary story of quiet bravery, and consider making a small contribution for a statue of a man who made a mighty big one.
Our mission is to raise public awareness and funds to erect a Bronze statue of Sgt. Wise in his adopted hometown of Stamford, Connecticut. Sgt. Wise received the Medal of Honor while serving as a Staff Sergeant, Infantry, Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual conflict with the enemy.
By definition, a hero is "a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities." Homer L. Wise embodied those qualities, jumping into action to protect his platoon with no regard for his own personal safety. He was a man who never sought recognition or fame for his heroism. In fact, Homer's own son was 12 years old before he learned from a classmate of his father's acts of heroism and that he was a recipient of the Medal of Honor. This was a man driven by his instincts to protect and serve his comrades and his country.
Please read the excerpt below from the actual citation signed by President Roosevelt:
Magliano, Italy - In the summer of 1944 was the scene of intensive resistance by well trained and experienced German soldiers. Fierce machine gun fire hit the 142 Infantry Regiment. The day was hot and artillery fire had set the dry grass ablaze. In the heat of the battle Staff Sergeant Homer L. Wise, squad leader of Company L performed heroically with amazing agility and initiative. While his platoon was pinned down by intensive fire, he and three others went into the fire-swept area to bring a wounded buddy to safety. A German officer and two men challenged him he killed all three. Later he obtained and fired a rifle grenade launcher upon enemy positions causing them to flee. He obtained a Browning Automatic Weapon, and neutralized the frontal fire, allowing his men to move forward. He boldly climbed on a tank, remedied a stoppage in the turret machine gun and fired 750 rounds into the enemy's positions, inflicting numerous casualties, neutralizing their fire, and allowing the battalion to continue
Master Sgt. Homer L. Wise also received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, and eleven other decorations. One of the most decorated infantrymen of World War II, Sgt. Wise, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, wound up spending the second half of his life in Stamford, Connecticut. After falling in love with and marrying Madolyn DiSesa (a Stamford native), Sgt.Wise fell in love with Stamford too. He died there in 1974 at the age of 57.
Our country's history was paved with many great war heroes that have gone unrecognized. We stop to recognize those few that have done something extraordinary, but we often forget the soldiers who are on the front lines of war each and every day--those who dedicate their lives to serving so that we may lead productive, free, and safe lives. Homer's quiet and unassuming style represents all the heroes who fought in the past and who fight today for the sheer love and loyalty to their country. A statue of this humble man is a tribute to all soldiers: past, present, and future.
The statue will be a fitting tribute not only to Sergeant Wise but to the 10,000 Stamford residents who served during World War II of who 200 who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. We firmly believe the statue will become a major attraction for school children, residents, visitors and the many employees who come to the great City of Stamford to work. We know these are challenging times, but every contribution brings us one step closer to leaving a legacy of honor, humility and service for our future generations to be guided by and as an inspiration of America's true values.
We need your help!
Consider making a small donation. Lest we forget... our great heroes.
The Homer L. Wise Memorial, Inc at the Mayor's office in Stamford. From left, Tony Pavia, Jean Rinaldi, Homer's niece, Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia and James S. Vlasto Secretary Treasurer and Project Director, with three foot replica of the statue which is now nearing completion at its full length of six feet three inches. (Photo credit: Matthew Vinci, Stamford Times)
As the battle tested veterans of Company L, 142 Infantry, and 36th Division probed the outskirts of Magliano, Italy on the morning of June 14, 1944 they knew that the German soldiers facing them were strongly entrenched. The men of the 36th had met this enemy before, in Africa, on the bloody beaches of Salerno and in all the bitter battles in Italy.
The Homer L.Wise Committee sponsors Medal of Honor News
An informative resource with current news about the Medal of Honor and MOH recipients. Including videos, books, links, educational resources and events
The Homer L. Wise Memorial, Inc at the Mayor's office in Stamford. From left, Tony Pavia, Jean Rinaldi, Homer's niece, Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia and James S. Vlasto Secretary Treasurer and Project Director, with three foot replica of the statue which is now nearing completion at its full length of six feet three inches. (Photo credit: Matthew Vinci, Stamford Times)
Connecticut's only living Medal of Honor recipient announced today he will become a member of the Homer L. Wise Memorial Committee.
