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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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Also Remembered At
Portsmouth, VA |
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Born: September 28, 1917
at Portsmouth, VA
Entered Service in the US
Army Air Corps from Portsmouth, VA
Earned
The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism November
02, 1943 at Rabaul, New Britain, Pacific Ocean
Died: November
02, 1943 at the age of 26
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Major Wilkins
lead his B-25 squadron against enemy shipping near Rabaul, New
Britain on November 2, 1943. Approaching the enemy ships through
concentrated antiaircraft fire, his plane was hit. Although he
experienced extreme difficulty in maintaining control of his
aircraft, he pressed on relentlessly. At low level, he attacked
an enemy destroyer which exploded. Fire from this attack further
damaged his plane. He then attacked a large transport, setting
it aflame. Bombs expended, he began to withdraw but sighted a
heavy cruiser. To neutralize it and attract its fire from his
squadron, Major Wilkins began a strafing run during which his
aircraft was critically damaged and crashed into the sea. As a
result of his action, the remaining planes of his formation were
able to continue on safely.
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