Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 23, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 267 (December 18, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles W. Wilkerson (ASN: RA-15380548), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Kumchon, Korea, on 23 September 1950. During an attack, his company was pinned down by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself, drawing the full fury of the enemy’s fire in order to locate the source of fire and then fearlessly assaulted the position single-handedly. His accurate rifle fire killed the entire crew of one gun and advancing further he destroyed another gun with grenades. Signaling his men to follow he continued to press the attack until the enemy was completely routed. Sergeant Wilkerson’s courageous actions, unhesitant devotion to duty and exemplary leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.