United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, March 9, 1960
Add to My HeroesGale H. Wilcox
District Ranger Gale Wilcox and Park Ranger John Fonda, along with the Assistant Chief Ranger, were on back country patrol on cross-country skis in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The three came upon the Snake River, which had frozen over, and judged that it was safe to cross. The Assistant Chief Ranger began to cross first, followed by Ranger Wilcox and Ranger Fonda.
Ranger Fonda had made it only 15-feet from shore when the ice broke and he fell into the river. Ranger Wilcox, who could not swim, immediately belly-crawled to Ranger Fonda's position to try to reach him with ski pole. The Assistant Chief Ranger also went to the location to help also. The ice then cracked and the other two rangers fell into the river. The Assistant Chief Ranger was able to remove his skis and then tried to remove the skis of the other rangers but was unsuccessful. He then climbed out of the water. He was able to pull Ranger Wilcox out of the water but Ranger Fonda, who was still treading water with his skis on, went under and did not resurface.
Ranger Wilcox was suffering from severe hypothermia and was unable to move or speak. The Assistant Chief Ranger, who was also suffering from hypothermia, immediately set out for the nearest ranger station to radio for help and medical supplies. When rescue workers arrived at the scene they found that Ranger Wilcox had passed away from exposure.
Ranger Wilcox was posthumously awarded a Citation of Valor from the Department of the Interior and the Bronze Medal from the Carnegie Hero Commission for his efforts to save Ranger Fonda. The Assistant Chief Ranger was also awarded the Citation of Valor.
Ranger Wilcox had been with the agency for 24 years.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 24 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Hypothermia
- Location Wyoming
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRanger Wilcox, you left this world on the day I came into it. I hope that I filled the legacy you left well enough to make you proud of our profession. It has been 64 years since you were taken from us. American law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 24 years of law enforcement service.
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