Philadelphia Police Officer To Receive Posthumous Medal Of Valor
by Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia police officer who died last year while protecting civilians during an armed robbery will receive the nation's highest award for valor from President Obama.
Then-Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said he'd never seen any braver action than that of Officer Robert Wilson, who drew fire away from customers and employees of a video game store where he'd stopped to buy his son a birthday present.
Ramsey promoted Wilson to sergeant posthumously and on Monday Wilson will be the only posthumous recipient of the public safety officer Medal of Valor at the White House.
The medal is awarded "to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life." The White House says Wilson was chosen "For giving his life to protect innocent civilians."
Two suspects in Wilson's death are still awaiting trial.