World War II Honoree

Charles B. Wilkins

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Portland, Oregon

Honored By

Bend Heroes Foundation

ENTERED MILITARY SERVICE FROM PORTLAND, OREGON. RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR. PRIVATE, 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY, FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION ON 13 JUNE 1944 ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM BAUPTE, FRANCE. WHEN THE ENEMY COUNTER-ATTACKED TO RECOVER A MOTOR POOL WHICH HAD BEEN CAPTURED BY COMPANY 'E' FOUR HOURS EARLIER, ON HIS OWN INITIATIVE AND WITHOUT ORDERS ORGANIZED A GROUP OF LEADERLESS MEN AND LED THEM WITH AGGRESSIVENESS AND COURAGE THROUGH HEAVY FIRE FROM A LIGHT TANK ACCOMPANYING THE GERMAN INFANTRYMEN AND FORCED THEM TO WITHDRAW. HIS PROMPT ACTION PREVENTED THE ENEMY FROM RECAPTURING THE MOTOR POOL AND REFLECTS GREAT CREDIT ON HIMSELF AND HIS ORGANIZATION.