Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
U.S. Civil War - U.S. Navy
Perry Wilkes
Details
- Rank: Pilot
- Conflict/Era: U.S. Civil War
- Unit/Command:
U.S.S. Signal - Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 5, 1864
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Red River, Louisiana, USA
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.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Born: April 6, 1830, IN, United States
- Died: March 6, 1889, Louisville, KY, United States
- Buried: Cave Hill Cemetery (MH) South One-Half-866 Section P,, Louisville, KY, United States