*JENKINS, ROBERT H., JR.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place
and date: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1969. Entered
service at: Jacksonville, Fla. Born: 1 June 1948, Interlachen, Fla.
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, 3d 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 machinegun 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.
