The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Charles Warren Wilkins (NSN: 0-58917), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NARWHAL (SS-167), for his participation 1 February 1942, in the attack on the Marshall Islands, and for aggressive and successful action against the enemy while engaged in hazardous submarine patrol in enemy waters during the period 2 February 1942 to 28 March 1942, on the FIRST War Patrol of his vessel. Despite intensive enemy surface patrols, he sank 12,000 tons of enemy merchant shipping without damage or injury to material or personnel of his command. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Wilkins brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Charles Warren Wilkins (NSN: 0-58917), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Division TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO from May to December 1944; and as Commander Submarine Squadron TWELVE from December 1944 to September 1945, in connection with operations against enemy Japanese forces. As Division and Squadron Commander, Captain Wilkins was responsible for the efficient training and general readiness of the submarines under his command. A leader of distinctive professional skill and administrative ability, Captain Wilkins, by his excellent judgment, his thorough knowledge of submarine combat tactics and his forceful direction of operations, contributed essentially to the distinctive record of damage inflicted on the enemy by submarines under his command and to the effective prosecution of submarine warfare in the Pacific. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Captain Wilkins and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 28, 1952 – February 9, 1953
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 49 (June 9, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Rear Admiral Charles Warren Wilkins (NSN: 0-58917), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Troup 132.3 Joint Task Force 132, at Washington, District of Columbia, and Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands from 28 April 1952 to 9 February 1953. He was directly responsible for the over-all development and fulfillment of the mission assigned the group for Operation IVY, which contributed in great measure to the successful completion of an operation of tremendous importance to the future defenses of the United States. Admiral Wilkins’ achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Navy.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Narwhal (SS-167)Action Date:
July 8 – August 26, 1942
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Charles Warren Wilkins (NSN: 0-58917), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NARWHAL (SS-167), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 July 1942 to 26 August 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Kurile Islands. While engaged in hazardous submarine patrol, Commander Wilkins, availing himself of every attack opportunity, pressed home all contacts and succeeded in sinking a total of 14,500 tons of enemy shipping and in severely damaging one enemy Japanese tanker of 4,000 tons. Evading persistent and vigorous anti-submarine measures, he brought his ship through with only minor damage and without loss or injury to his crew. His expert seamanship and his gallant and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Seahorse (SS-304)Action Date:
August 21 – November 1, 1944
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 311 (February 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Charles Warren Wilkins (NSN: 0-58917), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SEAHORSE (SS-304), during the Sixth War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific, from 21 August to 1 November 1944. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, Captain Wilkins expertly directed his ship in a bold daylight periscope attack to sink an enemy destroyer of 1,700 tons and, as group commander of a coordinated attack group, performed invaluable services during screening and reconnaissance operations in support of United States sea and air force attacks against enemy positions at Palau and Luzon. By his inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of this hazardous patrol, Captain Wilkins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.