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SSgt. Donald Jenkins
Medal Of Honor Recipient 
​Purple Heart

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
​U.S. Air Force
Air Force Cross
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal

Tom’s military career began in 1955 as an   Aviation Cadet. He was triple rated as a   Navigator, Radar Observer and Pilot. His   service included Material Airlift Transport Service, Special Air Warfare Center and two tours in Viet Nam, as well as the Belgian Congo, Clark AFB, Pope AFB, Mildenhall AB, UK, Rhein Main AB, FRG and TAC Headquarters, Langley AFB, VA. Tom was awarded several medals during his 20 years of service including the Air Force Cross, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Battle Stars. After retiring, Tom completed his college education with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration. Alpha Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and graduation with Honors defined Tom’s academic performance. Tom worked as an Operation Officer for Bank of America and taught Social Science for the Morongo Unified School District before full retirement in 1990 with a 60% disability rating for exposure to Agent Orange. An avid golfer and former tennis player, Tom lives with his wife, Patty, in Yucca Valley, California.
















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