The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John Wilkes (NSN: 0-9715), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM (CL-62) while in direct support of the Third Division in the assault on the Island of Sicily. Captain Wilkes skillfully directed the gunfire of the U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM while maneuvering his ship under repeated bombing attacks and well within range of enemy shore artillery. This bombardment neutralized and put out of action several enemy positions and batteries and contributed materially to the success of the assault. The initiative, judgment, and prompt and correct action displayed by Captain Wilkes throughout this period was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Wilkes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral John Wilkes (NSN: 0-9715), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Task Force ONE TWO FIVE and later as Commander U.S. Ports and Bases, France, from 25 June 1944 to 15 March 1945. In this assignment Rear Admiral Wilkes, with outstanding professional skill, planned, organized and operated the assault beaches and port facilities through which flowed the material and equipment required for the support of the United States Forces advancing toward Germany. His keen analysis of the operational problems involved and his solution of them contributed greatly to the fact that the beach and port facilities consistently and successfully handled a higher average daily tonnage than the target figure. The professional skill, energy, initiative and tireless devotion to duty displayed by Rear Admiral Wilkes reflects great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Wilkes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Wilkes (NSN: 0-9715), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Administrative Command Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, from 26 May to 15 October 1945. Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the requirements of his command, he, with exceptional administrative ability, sound judgment and keen foresight, capably administered and coordinated the numerous and widely diversified activities of the amphibious forces. He maintained close liaison with all echelons of his command, rendering valuable service to amphibious force ships and personnel throughout the Pacific to ensure their readiness for combat operations, thereby contributing materially to the overall success achieved by the amphibious forces. His initiative and ability, coupled with his profound devotion to duty, were an inspiration to the members of his staff. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.