Gene Cecil Wise was born on May 12, 1925, in Trenton, Grundy County, Missouri. He was the son of Otto Christian Magnus Voss and Bertha Paustian Voss. Gene served in the 410th Infantry Regiment, 103rd Infantry Division, as a Private First Class during World War II.

On December 10, 1944, Pvt Wise accidentally dropped a grenade after removing the safety pin. Realizing the danger, he shouted a warning and selflessly threw himself onto the grenade, sacrificing his life to save his fellow soldiers. His heroic action prevented many deaths and injuries in the confined space. Wise's extraordinary courage ensured the safety of his platoon, demonstrating his bravery in a moment of extreme danger. Pvt Wise is now buried in the Saint Joseph Memorial Park, Saint Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com