Six weeks later, Wilks was co-pilot in the rescue of Marine Corps Capt. Ray Lowe. The district commander received a letter from Lt. Col. Eldon Railsback of the Marine Air Reserve Detachment, stating, “I wish to extend our warmest thanks to the United States Coast Guard and specifically to Lt. Cmdr. J.E. Nesmith, Lt. B.C. Wilks, and Chief Petty Officer J.A. Accano for their efforts in rescuing him [Lowe] under adverse conditions… The Coast Guard aptly demonstrated that their motto, ‘Semper Paratus,’ has more than poetic significance.” On July 15, 1960, Wilks was transferred from the Reserve to the regular Coast Guard. He was subsequently assigned to Coast Guard Air Detachment Sangley Point in the Philippines, piloting aircraft on search and rescue missions as well as logistics and resupply missions to Coast Guard LORAN stations. In 1961, Wilks was assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters for a unique opportunity–speaking with civic leaders and high school officials in an effort to recruit minorities into the Coast Guard Academy. Over a period of seven months, Wilks traveled extensively, speaking about the opportunities presented by attending the Academy. “The Coast Guard Academy... is similar to the other government Academies… but with this important difference-candidates are selected from a nationwide competitive examination-no political appointments are required, no geographical quotas are prescribed... All it really costs a cadet is the time and energy to devote to his studies there.” In 1965, Lt. Wilks was assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Naples, Italy as the executive officer. Four months later, he was promoted to lieutenant commander, the first recognized African American to surpass the rank of lieutenant. He was considered an excellent aviator, holding the respect and trust of the crew. Quite obviously, over the course of the first 13 years of his career, Wilks was credited for his abilities in the cockpit and as a leader. Said aviator Dallas Schmidt, “He was one hell of a stick and rudder pilot.” With the exception of his evaluations while working to recruit African Americans into the Coast Guard Academy, his race was never mentioned. That changed in August 1968 when Wilks was assigned to Air Station Salem, Massachusetts. For the first time in his career, his supervisors questioned his abilities, and indicated that issues were caused by the color of his skin. An Officer Evaluation Report (OER) said, “Mr. Wilks is the only negro Coast Guard aviator. Consequently, he is frequently utilized as a showpiece by CG Headquarters…” Photo of Cmdr. Wilks, who served as aviator and Operations Officer at Air Station Barber’s Point, Hawaii. Photos courtesy Coast Guard Historian — WINTER 2024 28
