Career
Wilkins joined the Army from his birth city of Portsmouth, Virginia in 1936, and by November 2, 1943 had risen to the rank of major, command of the 8th Bombardment Squadron of the 3rd Attack Group, and had flown 50 combat missions. Wilkins repeatedly exposed himself to intense anti-aircraft fire and successfully destroyed two enemy vessels. Despite severe damage to his aircraft, he continued to attack until his plane was shot down into the sea, killing him.
Wilkins" remains were never recovered.
A marker in his memory was placed at Olive Branch Cemetery in his hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia.