Wilson Brown was a U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve veteran who served during World War II. He was born June 30, 1920, to Andy and Clara Allen Brown in Jesse, Oklahoma. He attended Jones Academy in Hartshorne before enlisting in the U.S. Army on Jan. 15, 1942.

Brown served for 20 years in the U.S. Army and 10 years in the Air Force Reserve. He was present at D-Day plus two and entered Europe from Omaha Beach on June 8, 1944. In December of that year, he fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium throughout the Battle of the Bulge, a major turning point in the war. He was responsible for spotting German forces. Brown found himself at the helm of a tank during this conflict and operated it in defense of himself and his men until he was injured. His heroic actions throughout his service earned him many accolades, including the American Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

He married the late Pauline Carpenter on March 5, 1954, and they had four children – Milton, LaDonna, Gina and Lisa. Brown was a fluent Chickasaw speaker and was active in tribal affairs. He represented Pontotoc County on the steering committee for the Chickasaw Nation Constitution during the 1970s and 1980s. Brown was the first chairperson of the Chickasaw Community Council. He was also active with Yellow Springs Methodist Church and led native hymns.

In 1973, Brown received his General Educational Development degree and later attended Oklahoma Christian University and Seminole Junior College. He was employed by Tinker Air Force Base for more than 20 years before retiring. He passed away on Jan. 17, 1994. The Chickasaw Foundation launched the Wilson J. Brown Memorial Scholarship for college-age Chickasaw students in 2009. This honors Brown, his dedication to education and his contributions to the U.S. military and the Chickasaw Nation.