Posthumous Silver Star Bible.

[tdogchristy90]

Robert J. Wilkins was born on January 1, 1945 and grew up in Saint Charles, Missouri, a small town outside of St. Louis, Missouri.

 

 

After high school he would go on to serve in the Vietnam war as a Marine. On December 18, 1965 his actions would award him the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and cost him his life. This Missourian would lose his life at 19 in service to his country.

 

 

Silver Star Citation:

 

"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Robert J. Wilkins (MCSN: 2100350), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force in Vietnam, on 18 December 1965. Near the Da Dong Village, Company H was ambushed by a large enemy force employing small arms and mortar fire. During the first moments of the ensuing firefight, Corporal Wilkins was badly wounded in the foot and leg. Immediately he was directed to move to a helicopter landing zone on a hill not far from the scene of the fighting. While waiting for evacuation he heard cries for help to bring up the other wounded. Ignoring the pain and despite instructions to remain at the landing zone, he made his way back down the hill to the scene of the bitterest fighting, a distance of 400 meters. Discovering that his mangled foot would prevent him from physically carrying the wounded, he got into position and gave covering fire for them and helped in carrying their gear back to the landing zone. On his second trip, he immediately went to the aid of a seriously wounded corpsman. While helping to carry the injured man to the landing zone, he was struck and fatally wounded. By his initiative, heroic actions and devotion to duty, Corporal Wilkins reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom."

 

 

Below is a bible that is in some way attributed to him. The bible, dated 1942 is a small army issue bible. The bible has no identifying marks but tucked inside its pages was a funeral card for one "Robert J. Wilkins". This could mean the bible was a relatives or maybe a friends who was present at his funeral.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I picked this up from Keith at ourboysof98. Thank you Keith for your time and assistance. As a Missourian I am honored to keep these fellow Missourian memories' alive.

 

 

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