WILKES, PERRY
Rank and Organization: Pilot, U.S. Navy. Entered Service At: Indiana. Born:
6 June 1830, Indiana. G.O. No.: 45, 31 December 1864.
Citation:
Served 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, Wilkes stood by his
wheel until it was disabled in his hands by a bursting enemy shell.
|