GEORGE H. WILKINS, CDR, USN
George Wilkins '56
Lucky Bag
From the 1956 Lucky Bag:
GEORGE HENRY WILKINS
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Three years in the fleet gave George, a hard seasoned sailor, a lasting love for the Navy and the sea. As a result, he participated extensively in sailing at the Academy. An N winner on the Small-Bore Rifle team, he displayed a sharp eye and a steady hand. Once a member of a crack Navy drill team, George managed to keep in practice by working out with the First Battalion drill squad. Even though George spent more time "squaring away" plebes than he did studying his lessons, he always managed to chalk up good grades in his subject. George is endowed with a strong personality, typical of all good leaders.
GEORGE HENRY WILKINS
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Three years in the fleet gave George, a hard seasoned sailor, a lasting love for the Navy and the sea. As a result, he participated extensively in sailing at the Academy. An N winner on the Small-Bore Rifle team, he displayed a sharp eye and a steady hand. Once a member of a crack Navy drill team, George managed to keep in practice by working out with the First Battalion drill squad. Even though George spent more time "squaring away" plebes than he did studying his lessons, he always managed to chalk up good grades in his subject. George is endowed with a strong personality, typical of all good leaders.
Obituary
From USNA '56:
CDR Wilkins, an A4 Skyhawk pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 153, was launched from the USS CONSTELLATION on 11 July 1966 for a mission over North Vietnam. He was assigned to drop flares to illuminate roads in search of a truck convoy and then fly under the ignited flares on an identification pass. Shortly after Wilkins called “flares away,” his wingman observed a long trail of fire on the ground under the flares. The crash site was located about 12 miles north of Vinh, North Vietnam where 37mm anti-aircraft fire was observed. No wreckage was sighted during a daytime search nor were any electronics signals received. It was believed that CDR Wilkins was shot down and that he did not survive; although, some held out the possibility that he bailed out successfully, was captured, and died in captivity. On 28 June 1974, The Department of the Navy declared CDR Wilkins dead based on no other specific information. The POW/MIA DEFENSE WEEKLY indicated that his remains were returned on 30 Oct 1996 and identified via mitochondrial DNA testing.
George arrived at the Naval Academy via Benson, NC (Goldsboro, NC is his home of record), the fleet (an Electronic Technician), and the Naval Academy Preparatory School at Bainbridge, MD. At USNA he was an able marksman on the Rifle team (won N letters) and enjoyed sailing and practicing with the drill team. George was always of good cheer and resolute in his work – a great combination.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Survivors were his father Percy, mother Leola, wife, the former La Verne Hudson Wood whom he married on 4/5/1957 in Guilford, N.C., children Catherine and George Wilkins, Jr.
In the 5-minute overtime on January 21, 1949, George scored the winning basket for Benson High School over Meadow High School. Final score 33-31. On February 15, he scored 10 of the 34 points in their 34-19 win over Wilson Mills High School.
From Find A Grave:
In 1989, remains were recovered believed to be those of Commander Wilkins and positively identified and buried in 1996.
George is buried in Arlington National Cemetery; he is additionally listed on the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Courts of the Missing in Hawaii.
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