Medal of Honor: Robert H. Jenkins Jr. – U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War

Name: Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company C, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force
Place: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Jacksonville, Florida
Born: 1 June 1948, Interlachen, Florida

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Summary of Action

Early in the morning at Fire Support Base Argonne, south of the Demilitarized Zone, a 12-man reconnaissance team from the 3d Reconnaissance Battalion held a defensive position when the silence shattered.

A North Vietnamese Army platoon launched a sudden assault with mortars, automatic weapons, and grenades.

Private First Class Robert H. Jenkins and another Marine immediately moved into a two-man fighting emplacement and began delivering accurate machine-gun fire into the advancing enemy.

As the battle intensified, a North Vietnamese soldier hurled a grenade directly into their position.

There was no time to throw it back.

In a split second, Jenkins made his decision.

Grabbing his fellow Marine, he shoved him down to the ground and threw himself on top of him — shielding his comrade with his own body.

The grenade detonated.

Jenkins absorbed the full force of the explosion.

Gravely wounded, he later succumbed to his injuries.

His selfless act saved the life of his fellow Marine and stands as a powerful example of courage and devotion to others under fire.

Private First Class Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.’s valor and sacrifice reflect the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Service.

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Medal of Honor Citation

JENKINS, ROBERT H., JR.

Place and date: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1969.

Born: 1 June 1948, Interlachen, Fla.

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 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.