JENKINS, ROBERT H., JR.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF
Place: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam
JENKINS, ROBERT H., JR.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3rd Reconnaissance
Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF
Place: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 5 March 1969
Entered service at: Jacksonville, Florida
Born: 1 June 1948, Interlachen, Florida
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Company
C, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy
forces.
Early in the morning Pfc. Jenkins'
12-man reconnaissance team was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support
Base Argonne south of the Demilitarized Zone. Suddenly, the marines were
assaulted by a North Vietnamese Army platoon employing mortars, automatic
weapons, and hand grenades. Reacting instantly, Pfc. Jenkins and another
marine quickly moved into a 2-man fighting emplacement, and as they boldly
delivered accurate machine gun fire against the enemy, a North Vietnamese
soldier threw a hand grenade into the friendly emplacement. Fully realizing
the inevitable results of his actions, Pfc. Jenkins quickly seized his comrade,
and pushing the man to the ground, he leaped on top of the marine to shield
him from the explosion. Absorbing the full impact of the detonation, Pfc.
Jenkins was seriously injured and subsequently succumbed to his wounds.
His courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty saved a fellow
marine from serious injury or possible death and upheld the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life
for his country.
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--- General / Personal ---
Last name: JENKINS
First name: ROBERT HENRY JR
Home of Record (official): INTERLACHEN
State (official): FL
Date of Birth: Tuesday, June 1, 1948
Sex: Male
Race: Negro
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Marine Corps
Rank: PFC
Serial Number: 2428700
Component: Regular
Pay grade: E2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0311
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Wednesday, July 17, 1968
Date of Casualty: Wednesday, March 5, 1969
Age at time of loss: 20
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Tri
The Wall: Panel 30W - Row 046
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