Ensign Theodore Stark Wilkinson Jr., a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on April 21, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Floria. Wilkinson was 25 years old.
40 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Vice Admiral.
Wilkinson was born on December 22, 1888 in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Wilkinson died on February 21, 1946 in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 57. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Wilkinson is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. Ens. Wilkinson was in both days' fighting at the head of his company and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
How he died
- Manner of death: accidental death
- Cause of death: drowning
- Age at death: 57
- Resting place: Arlington National Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Theodore Stark Wilkinson Jr. received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: World War I, World War II.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: United States Naval Academy
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Timeline
- December 22, 1888Born in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland
- April 21, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 25. U.S.S. Floria
- February 21, 1946Died in Norfolk, VirginiaAge 57.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Theodore Stark "Ping" Wilkinson (December 22, 1888 – February 21, 1946) was a vice admiral of the United States Navy during World War II. He also received the Medal of Honor for his actions in Veracruz, Mexico.
From the Wikipedia article “Theodore Stark Wilkinson”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →





