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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of a task force in action against enemy forces in the Philippine Islands from 1 October 1944 to 18 January 1945. Admiral Wilkinson was a consistently forceful and efficient administrator. He displayed sound judgment and keen foresight in his effective planning of important combat operations and skillfully directed the Southern Attack Force in the attack on Leyte. He was responsible in large measure for the expeditious establishment of our forces in the Philippine Islands. On 9 January he again commanded the attack force in the invasion in the Lingayen Gulf, which resulted in the successful landing of our troops on Luzon and assured the re-capture of the highly strategic islands. Distinguishing himself by his brilliant tactical ability during this crucial period, Vice Admiral Wilkinson contributed materially to the success of these vital offensive operations.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Division:

    U.S.S. Florida

    Action Date:

    April 21 – 22, 1914
    War Department, General Orders No. 177 (December 4, 1915)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Ensign Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., United States Navy, for distinguished conduct in battle during the engagements of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914, on board the U.S.S. FLORIDA. Ensign Wilkinson was in both days’ fighting at the head of his company and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1943 – 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 326 (May 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Amphibious Force during operations in the Solomon Islands, from July 1943. He achieved outstanding success in operations against the Japanese. His forceful leadership, careful planning and sound tactical judgment were vital factors in our success.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1 – October 2, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 336 (March 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of THIRD Amphibious Force, THIRD Fleet, from 1 August to 2 October 1944. Vice Admiral Wilkinson, masterful in his planning and bold in combat tactics, conducted an overseas amphibious operation which culminated in capture of Peleliu, Angaur and Ulithi, thereby driving the Japanese 500 miles back in the Western Pacific and blocking the only enemy outlet for supplies and support to his remaining bases in the Central Pacific.