Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. He immigrated to America and later enlisted in the US Army at Pittsburgh and was sent out to the Western Frontier. There he rose to the rank of First Sergeant in Company L, 2nd Cavalry, US Army. During the Nez Perce War, he was among the cavalry troopers which did battle with various bands of renegade Indians throughout the territory. In two major engagements during the summer months of 1877, he was cited for bravery. On May 7, 1877, First Sergeant Wilkens was among the soldiers who stormed War Chief Lame Deer’s camp near Little Muddy Creek in the Montana Territory. In Idaho, on August 20, 1877, he led troops in routing the renegades at Camas Meadows. Despite a serious head injury, he remained with his company throughout the battle. He also participated in the pursuit of a captured mule train and defending his fellow soldiers when the company was surrounded by the Nez Perce for several hours. For his actions with hostile Indians, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 28, 1878.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. He immigrated to America and later enlisted in the US Army at Pittsburgh and was sent out to the Western Frontier. There he rose to the rank of First Sergeant in Company L, 2nd Cavalry, US Army. During the Nez Perce War, he was among the cavalry troopers which did battle with various bands of renegade Indians throughout the territory. In two major engagements during the summer months of 1877, he was cited for bravery. On May 7, 1877, First Sergeant Wilkens was among the soldiers who stormed War Chief Lame Deer’s camp near Little Muddy Creek in the Montana Territory. In Idaho, on August 20, 1877, he led troops in routing the renegades at Camas Meadows. Despite a serious head injury, he remained with his company throughout the battle. He also participated in the pursuit of a captured mule train and defending his fellow soldiers when the company was surrounded by the Nez Perce for several hours. For his actions with hostile Indians, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 28, 1878.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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