for
service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty while serving as a Marine Gunner with Company C, Third
Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against
enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 5 March 1969, Private
First Class Jenkins' twelve-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, Private First Class Jenkins and another Marine quickly moved
into a two-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 action, Private First Class
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. Private First Class 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 United States Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his lifefor his country. |
