Bennie G. Adkins

Bennie G. Adkins (February 1, 1934 – April 17, 2020) was a United States Army soldier. He was a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for actions in March 1966 during the Vietnam War.

Bennie G. Adkins
Adkins receiving the Medal of Honor from President Obama
Born(1934-02-01)February 1, 1934
Waurika, Oklahoma
DiedApril 17, 2020(2020-04-17) (aged 86)
Opelika, Alabama
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1956–1978
RankCommand Sergeant Major
Unit5th Special Forces Group 5th SFG Beret Flash.png
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsMedal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal (2 with "V" device)
Purple Heart (3)

From March 9-12, 1966 Adkins distinguished himself during a 38-hour close-combat battle against North Vietnamese Army forces during the Battle of A Shau. At the time of the cited action, Adkins was a sergeant first class serving as an Intelligence Sergeant with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces.[1]

In March 2020 Adkins was hospitalized with COVID-19 in Opelika, Alabama.[2] He died on April 17, 2020 from the virus, at the age of 86.[3]

Bennie G. Adkins Media

References

  1. "Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins". United States Army. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  2. Correll, Diana Stancy (March 27, 2020). "Beloved Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins critically ill and hospitalized with COVID-19". Military Times. Retrieved March 29, 2020.
  3. "Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins, known for Vietnam heroics, dies of coronavirus - Veterans - Stripes". Archived from the original on 2020-04-18. Retrieved 2020-04-18.

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