Navy Federal Credit Union

Charles Wilhelm was commissioned in the Marine Corps after graduating from Florida Southern College in 1964. He retired as a United States Marine Corps General.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1969

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Vietnam, General Orders No. 2065 (June 26, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Charles E. Wilhelm (MCSN: 0-90259), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Captain Wilhelm distinguished himself on 5 May 1969 while serving as senior advisor to Vietnamese troops during combat operations in Quang Tin Province. While engaging well entrenched enemy elements on a search and clear mission, the Vietnamese Battalion commander was wounded by enemy fire. Captain Wilhelm, observing his wounded comrade in an exposed position, left his location to go to his aid. Captain Wilhelm exposed himself to intense enemy fire while applying first aid to the wounded commander. Captain Wilhelm then evacuated his comrade through the enemy fire to a relatively secure rear position. Upon completion of this act, Captain Wilhelm returned to a forward position where he initiated and directed accurate air strikes against the entrenched enemy and supervised the tactical movements of friendly troops. Captain Wilhelm’s actions were instrumental in permitting the friendly forces to drive the enemy from their fortified position and overrunning the bunker complex. Captain Wilhelm’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Marine Corps.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to General Charles E. Wilhelm (MCSN: 0-90259), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of General Wilhelm reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: General Charles E. Wilhelm (MCSN: 0-90259), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to General Charles E. Wilhelm, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of General Wilhelm reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Superior Service Medal to General Charles E. Wilhelm, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of General Wilhelm reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.