"History Forum on World War II Wilmington, America's First WWI Heritage City"
Midday WWII History Forum with Wilbur Jones
Wilbur D. Jones Jr. Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., is a nationally known, award-winning author and military historian in Wilmington, N. C. A Wilmington native, he grew up there during World War II, which shaped his life, careers, and attitudes.
He is a University of North Carolina history graduate, retired Navy captain, and former assistant and advance representative to President Gerald Ford. He served the Department of Defense for 41 years, including 12 as a Defense Acquisition University professor and associate dean.
He conceived, organized, and led the successful 12 -1/2-year project seeking national recognition for Wilmington as America’s first World War II Heritage City, working with the state’s congressional delegation, local and state elected officials, and organizations – as a volunteer. In March 2019 President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. David Rouzer establishing that national preservation program. On September 2, 2020, at the Battleship North Carolina, Trump announced the designation by the Secretary of the Interior of Wilmington as the first, calling out Jones’s role in prepared remarks.
As founder (2000) and still chairman of the WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, an all-volunteer, 501c3 preservation organization, he is leading planning for area America 250 activities recognizing and promoting Wilmington’s WWII Heritage City designation.