Raymond Harrell Wilkins MOH

  

 

Maj Raymond Wilkins

Source 

OK, I've got to admit, before researching this name, I had no recognition of this man,   Most of the names of Air Force awardees, I recognize and know a bit about the circumstances.   Sure, he'd attacked a dangerous target in a dangerous target area.  Rabul Harbor was one of the most heavily defended Japanese bases in the Pacific in WWII.  But lots of folks have attacked lots of highly defended targets.  So, why him?

Well he was a pilot who received 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Silver Star and his award of the Medal of Honor during WWII.  That requires an awful lot of talented yet dangerous missions and a great degree of courage.

So let's get on with it and research what had happened on the mission for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.  

One of my prime sources for this series of posts has always been wikipedia.  However, this particular article was sadly lacking IMHO.  Below is just about the whole story.

Wilkins was then assigned to the 8th Bombardment Squadron of the 3rd Attack Group, Fifth Air Force. Flying B-25 Mitchells in combat missions out of New Guinea, Wilkins was promoted to first lieutenant, captain, and then to major. In September 1943 he was made squadron commander.

On November 2, 1943, he participated in a bombing raid on Japanese ships as part of the Bombing of Rabaul. Wilkins repeatedly exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft fire and successfully destroyed two enemy vessels. Despite severe damage to his aircraft, he continued to attack until his plane was shot down into the sea, killing him. For his actions during the mission, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on March 24, 1944.

 

 Well, folks when I'm wrong I'm REALLY wrong.

 

Source

So, while I'm surfing through various websites looking for sources, I came across this YouTube Video.  It very well tells the story of this mission. I highly recommend viewing it.  

 

Without a doubt, Major Raymond Wilkins was well deserving of the Medal of Honor 

 

 Rest in Peace, Major Wilkins!

 

Citation to accompany the award of the Medal of Honor to Major Raymond H. Wilkins

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 November 1943. Leading his squadron in an attack on shipping in Simpson Harbor, during which intense antiaircraft fire was expected, Maj. Wilkins briefed his squadron so that his airplane would be in the position of greatest risk. His squadron was the last of 3 in the group to enter the target area. Smoke from bombs dropped by preceding aircraft necessitated a last-second revision of tactics on his part, which still enabled his squadron to strike vital shipping targets, but forced it to approach through concentrated fire, and increased the danger of Maj. Wilkins' left flank position. His airplane was hit almost immediately, the right wing damaged, and control rendered extremely difficult. Although he could have withdrawn, he held fast and led his squadron into the attack. He strafed a group of small harbor vessels, and then, at low level, attacked an enemy destroyer. His 1,000 pound bomb struck squarely amidships, causing the vessel to explode. Although antiaircraft fire from this vessel had seriously damaged his left vertical stabilizer, he refused to deviate from the course. From below-masthead height he attacked a transport of some 9,000 tons, scoring a hit which engulfed the ship in flames. Bombs expended, he began to withdraw his squadron. A heavy cruiser barred the path. Unhesitatingly, to neutralize the cruiser's guns and attract its fire, he went in for a strafing run. His damaged stabilizer was completely shot off. To avoid swerving into his wing planes he had to turn so as to expose the belly and full wing surfaces of his plane to the enemy fire; it caught and crumpled his left wing. Now past control, the bomber crashed into the sea. In the fierce engagement Maj. Wilkins destroyed 2 enemy vessels, and his heroic self-sacrifice made possible the safe withdrawal of the remaining planes of his squadron.

 

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_H._Wilkins 

https://ww2gravestone.com/people/wilkins-raymond-harrell/ 

https://www.portsmouthvamilitary.com/medal-of-honors/raymond-harrell-wilkins 

https://www.ghostsofthebattlefield.org/medal-of-honor/medal-of-honor-raymond-h-wilkins-world-war-ii-air-mission-november-2-1943 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-b-25-pilot-who-turned-back-into-rabaul-s-guns/ar-AA251U8B 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dk3s8qLx60 

https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-2629/