Pilot Perry Wilkes, United States Navy - Louisville, KY
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N 38° 14.614 W 085° 43.113
16S E 612136 N 4233616
Resting place of Medal of Honor recipient Perry Wilkes born June 6, 1830
died March 19, 1889
Waymark Code: WME6DE
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 04/09/2012
Views: 9
Original Citation: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Pilot Perry Wilkes, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Pilot on board the U.S.S. Signal, Red River, 5 May 1864. Proceeding up the Red River, the U.S.S. Signal engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters, returning their fire until the ship was totally disabled, at which time the white flag was ordered raised. Acting as Pilot throughout the battle, Perry Wilkes stood by his wheel until it was disabled in his hands by a bursting enemy shell.
Naval Pilot Perry Wilkes was one of six members of the crew of the U.S.S. Signal to earn the Medal of Honor during an engagement on the Red River in Louisiana, on May 5, 1864. The U.S.S. Signal was proceeding up the river when it engaged a large force of enemy field batteries and sharpshooters. The crew returned fire until their ship was totally disabled, and was forced to surrender. Acting as pilot throughout the battle, Perry Wilkes stood by his wheel until it was disabled in his hands by a bursting enemy shell. Also earning Medals of Honor in this action were: Quarter Gunner Charles Asten, Gunner's Mate George Butts, Seaman John Hyland, Boatswain's Mate Michael McCormick, and Seaman Timothy O'Donoghue.
Armed Service: Navy
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