THE WALL OF FACES

Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
RANK: Private First Class
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Henry Jenkins, Jr. (MCSN: 2428700), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 5 March 1969, while serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy forces at Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam. Early in the morning 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 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, 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. Absorbing the full impact of the detonation, 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 life for his country.


Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
RANK: Private First Class
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert Henry Jenkins, Jr. (MCSN: 2428700), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 5 March 1969, while serving as a machine gunner with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy forces at Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam. Early in the morning 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 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, 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. Absorbing the full impact of the detonation, 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 life for his country.

Robert H, Jenkins Jr
Middle School
Palatka, FL

Thank you for your service Robert. I am sad today thinking about how young you were and how much of life you missed.

It doesn't surprise me what this brave unselfish Marine did,he's a true American hero.
His family has to be very proud .
Semper Fi to a hero

I don't know if this is offensive/racial or whatever. But Private Jenkins is the first African-American casualty that I've come across. At least the young man is getting the accolades and credit that he's due. As should all African-Americans in Vietnam and the world over. Thank you, Private Robert Jenkins, for your service and sacrifice. I trust your spirit is with God in Heaven. You'll NEVER be forgotten!!