Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Award of Air Force Cross to Timothy A. Wilkinson

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

1. Award of Air Force Cross to Timothy A. Wilkinson Marker

Inscription.
Citation to Accompany the Award of
The Air Force Cross
to
Timothy A. Wilkinson
Technical Sergeant Timothy A. Wilkinson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pararescueman in the vicinity of the Olympic Hotel, Mogadishu, Somalia, from 3 October 1993 to 4 October 1993. During that period, in response to an incident in which a United States helicopter had been shot down by a rocket propelled grenade, Sergeant Wilkinson conducted a fast rope insertion into the crash site and came under extremely heavy enemy fire from three directions. In the initial rescue effort, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense small arms fire and grenades to clear debris, provide emergency medical treatment to the survivors, and extract dead and wounded members of the crew from the wreckage. On his own initiative, Sergeant Wilkinson broke cover on three separate occasions to locate and provide emergency medical treatment to three Ranger casualties. In doing so, he ignored all concern for his personal safety to cross a 45 meter-wide open area blanketed with intense fire from small arms, and rocket propelled grenades. Sergeant Wilkinson's medical skills and uncommon valor saved the lives of

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multiple gravely wounded American soldiers in the longest sustained fire fight involving United States combat forces in over 20 years. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Wilkinson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Erected 2006 by Maxwell-Gunter 1st Sgt Academy Class 06-A.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients series list.

Location. 32° 24.263′ N, 86° 14.977′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of McDonald Street and Avenue D. Located at the USAF Senior NCO Academy at the Gunter Annex and requires base access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 McDonald St, Montgomery AL 36114, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Award of Air Force Cross to Charles D. McGrath (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Jon D. Harston (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to John A. Chapman (here, next to this

Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

2. Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques.

marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Charles L. Schaub (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Zachary J. Rhyner (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Leroy M. Wright (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Robert Gutierrez, Jr. (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.

Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Timothy A. Wilkinson. On Oct. 3, 1993, TSgt. Timothy A. Wilkinson, a pararescueman with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, responded as part of a 15-man combat search-and-rescue team to the downing of a US Army MH-60 helicopter in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia. Wilkinson repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire while extracting five wounded Army Rangers, one by one, who were still on their crashed helicopter, bringing them to the aid point, where he provided medical treatment. As the battle continued, he responded to cries for a medic from across the intersection. He crossed this four-way

Timothy A. Wilkinson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By USAF Photo

3. Timothy A. Wilkinson

intersection twice more bringing additional medical supplies to the Rangers, saving the lives of at least three who were badly wounded. He remained with them, using both his medical and weapons training, until the conclusion of the intense, 18-hour combat engagement.

Also see . . . AF Magazine article: Heroes at Mogadishu. (Submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Enlisted Air Force Cross Description image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

4. Enlisted Air Force Cross Description

The AF Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy, to any person while serving with the U.S. Air Force, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing enemy force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces, engaged in conflict against an opposing force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. It is awarded for heroic actions second in precedence only to the Medal of Honor and is presented in the name of the President. It was established by Congress by Public Law 88-593 on 6 July 1960.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 631 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 27, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.