During the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War, the British Mentions in Despatches (MiD) recognized valiant conduct, devotion to duty, or other distinguished service by members of the Canadian Forces on active service. Recipients were mentioned in official reports ("despatches") and received a certificate but no insignia or post-nominal letters. Historically, Canadians received 5,467 MiDs in WWI, 9,666 in WWII, and 279 during the Korean War. The MiD served as a significant honour for distinguished service in combat during these conflicts.

LGS 10 January 1946 p395, and CG and CARO/6074, both dated 22 September 1945.

Established by the British Government on 28 December 1915, the Military Cross is awarded to commissioned officers of the substantive rank of Captain or below—including acting and temporary Majors—and Warrant Officers for distinguished and meritorious services in battle. In 1920, eligibility expanded to include naval and air force officers for gallant and distinguished services on the ground. A total of 3,727 Military Crosses have been awarded to Canadians, along with 324 first bars and 18 second bars.

On 20 December 1944, two recovery tanks of 53 Light Aid Detachment, attached to 2 Canadian Armoured Regiment, Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) were detailed to provide recovery resources at the Fosso Munio crossing. An assault bridge was to be launched and the recovery tanks were to be the first across. The bridge was launched, but before taking the tanks across, Captain Wilkins, commander of 53 Light Aid Detachment, went forward on foot and examined the bridge and found that it had been launched at such an angle that it was impossible for tanks to use it. He immediately informed the engineers who completed a fill with an armoured bulldozer. Throughout the bridging and filling operations, the crossing was subjected to an extremely heavy concentration of enemy shell, mortar, and machine gun fire to such an extent that two M-10 self-propelled guns, one D-6 bulldozer and one tank were destroyed within a radius of two hundred yards of the bridge site. Owing to the heavy concentration of the fire that was brought to bear on the crossing and beyond, it was decided to put fighting tanks across first to assist the Perth Regiment. A troop of tanks was ordered to cross. The first two succeeded, but the third tank bogged down in the fill, completely blocking the route and preventing any further crossings. Captain Wilkins, taking stock of the situation, realized the derelict tank could not be moved by his recovery tanks and arranged for the use of a nearby armoured bulldozer. He then dismounted from his recovery tank in company with two of his men and went forward on foot under the extremely heavy fire carrying the recovery cables, secured them to the stranded tank and returned to the armoured bulldozer and directed the winching of the derelict vehicle clear of the crossing. In the face of the intense enemy shell and mortar fire for some thirty minutes, Captain Wilkins acted with gallantry and without thought for his own safety, and by his efforts was directly responsible for clearing the crossing and ensuring the passage of the supporting arms, which were essential for the holding of the Perth Regiment bridgehead.

Captain Wilkins was awarded an Immediate Military Cross on 5 January 1945. Supplement to the London Gazette of Tuesday 22 May 1945, No. 37091, page 2650, and Canada Gazette and CARO/5376, both dated 17 February 1945. Recommended for immediate award; document with Headquarters, 5 Canadian Armoured Division, 27-28 December 1944; with Headquarters, 1 Canadian Corps, 28-29 December 1944; with Headquarters, Eighth Army, 30-31 December 1944; with Headquarters, Allied Armies in Italy, 3-5 January 1945. Graduate Engineer. Postwar, he was Manager of Salary Administrative Services of the Ontarion Hydo-Electric Power Commission. RCEME Technical Bulletin, ??