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★Victoria Cross

A comprehensive archive of decorated military heroes from Commonwealth, American, and allied traditions, ranked by the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25). Honouring valour through history.

USM-25.2Scoring Standard

Scored under the Unified Scoring Matrix (USM-25)

Henry Wilkens — Victoria Cross

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Service Profile

Branch: U.S. Army
Rank: Ordnance Sergeant
Service Era: American Indian Wars
Medals Recorded: 2

Henry Wilkens

Ordnance Sergeant, U.S. Army

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American Indian Wars

Awards & Decorations

Medal of Honor
Indian Campaign Medal

Ribbon Rack

Biography

He fought bravely in cavalry actions in Montana and in Idaho

Henry Wilkens received the Medal of Honor for his conduct during the U.S. Army’s Indian Campaigns. Born in Germany in 1855, he served in Company L of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry.

Wilkens was a first sergeant when he distinguished himself in actions associated with Little Muddy Creek and Camas Meadows in Montana and Idaho. His Medal of Honor record identifies August 20, 1877, as the action date. The official citation recognizes bravery without describing a detailed battlefield episode.

His medal was presented on February 28, 1878. Wilkens attained the rank of ordnance sergeant. He died on August 2, 1895, and was buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. His award commemorates his service in the cavalry campaigns.

Official Medal of Honor citation

Bravery in actions with Indians.

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