Bennie G. Adkins

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
BranchUnited States Army
Years of service1956–1978
RankCommand Sergeant Major
Unit5th Special Forces Group
Battles / warsVietnam War
  • Battle of A Shau
AwardsMedal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal (2 with "V" device)
Purple Heart (3)

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.

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]

Bennie Gene Adkins gravestone at Arlington National Cemetery

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]

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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