MASTER SERGEANT TIMOTHY A. WILKINSON

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE AIR COMMANDO HALL OF FAME TO MASTER SERGEANT TIMOTHY A. WILKINSON

Master Sergeant Timothy Wilkinson served our nation with distinction and valor while leading Air Commandos and joint teammates during numerous combat operations. During Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama, MSgt Wilkinson skillfully supported 50 special operations missions, treating numerous injuries and wounds while searching for deposed dictator Manuel Noriega. He excelled as a combat search and rescue team leader during Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti, producing a masterful search and rescue plan that was instrumental to the success of Joint Task Force 180 missions. MSgt Wilkinson deployed to Somalia with Task Force Ranger to hunt down warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. He flew multiple high-risk missions with elite joint special operations forces as the primary personnel rescue and recovery specialist. Responding to a United States helicopter that was shot down in downtown Mogadishu, MSgt Wilkinson “fast-roped” into the crash site and provided life-saving treatment to wounded aircrew members and Army Rangers. While under intense enemy fire, he broke cover on three separate occasions and ran through the “kill zone” to recover medical supplies that were needed to save gravely wounded Americans. For his extraordinary heroism, MSgt Wilkinson was awarded the Air Force Cross and a Purple Heart for wounds he received during this 17-hour firefight. Later, MSgt Wilkinson’s personnel recovery knowledge and expertise led to advanced concepts including the use of robotics and unmanned aerial systems. After retirement from active duty, he continues to serve our nation’s most elite forces by leading the personnel recovery development and implementation office at Joint Special Operations Command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Master Sergeant Timothy Wilkinson reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations, and all Air Commandos.

Inducted in 2016 at the Air Commando Association’s Award Banquet in Fort Walton Beach, FL