Willard S. Wilson (1897-1979) was a pioneer radio broadcaster and entrepreneur. He was founder of the first commercial radio station in Delaware. Wilson became interested in radio (which was called “wireless” until the 1920s) as early as twelve years old. In 1909, he received his first 2-way wireless contract. In 1912, he obtained a first class commercial license as a wireless operator. He graduated high school in 1914.

From 1914 to 1916 he worked as a wireless operator at sea for the Dorchester line which carried cargo and passengers from Philadelphia to Savannah and Jacksonville. During World War I, he was on active duty in the United States Naval Reserve Forces as a radio operator for naval ships. When he returned to civilian life after the war he opened the Wilmington Electrical Specialty Company which manufactured and distributed radio apparatus.

In 1922, he established the first commercial broadcast station in Delaware, WHAV. Wilson operated the station out of his home in Wilmington, Delaware. He was announcer, chief engineer, and played piano accompaniment. The station broadcasted daily from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. In 1927, when aviator Charles A. Lindbergh (1902-1974) visited Wilmington, Delaware, the event, including Lindbergh’s remarks were broadcast on the radio station.

The call letters were changed to WDEL in 1928. Wilson sold the station in the early 1930s to the Steinman Group of Lancaster, Pennsylvania for fifty thousand dollars. He continued to own and operate his store.

During World War II, Wilson was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF), in the CBI theatre of operations.

Wilson was married to Elsa “Elsie” S. (Brown) Wilson (1898-?) and the couple had three sons: Robert S. Wilson (1924-1998?), Willard S. Wilson Jr. (1925-?), and Louis N. Wilson (1928-?).