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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. |
