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SSgt. Donald Jenkins
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Jenkins was awarded the Medal of Honor, “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” SSGT. Jenkins was a Private First Class with Alpha company when he distinguished himself while serving as a machine gunner on areconnaissance mission. When his company came under heavy crossfire from an enemy complex, Jenkins unhesitatingly maneuvered forward to a perilously exposed position and began placing suppressive fire on the enemy. When his own machine gun jammed, he immediately obtained a rifle and continued to fire into enemy bunkers until his machine gun was made operative by his assistant. Jenkins exposed himself to extremely heavy fire when he repeatedly ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain resupplies of ammunition until he had exhausted all that was available for his machine gun. Displaying tremendous presence of mind, he then armed himself with 2 anti-tank weapons and, by himself, maneuvered through the hostile fusillade to within 20 meters of an enemy bunker to destroy that position. After moving back to the friendly defensive perimeter long enough to secure yet another weapon, a grenade launcher, SSGT. Jenkins moved forward to a position providing no protection and resumed placing accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition was again exhausted. During this time, Jenkins was seriously wounded by shrapnel. Undaunted, and displaying great courage, he moved forward 100 meters to aid a friendly element that was pinned down only a few meters from the enemy. This he did with complete disregard for his own wound and despite having been advised that several previous rescue attempts had failed at the cost of the life of one and the wounding of others. Ignoring the continuing intense fire and his painful wounds, and hindered by darkness, Jenkins made three trips to the beleaguered unit; each time pulling a wounded comrade back to safety. SSGT. Jenkins’ extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit inspired his fellow soldiers to repulse the determined enemy attack and ultimately to defeat the larger force. SSGT. Jenkins’ risk of his own life reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the US Army.
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MAJ. Thomas Taylor
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