3 Jul 2002 Early on the morning of March 4, 1969, Private First Class 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, Private Jenkins and another Marine quickly moved into a two-man fighting emplacement and delivered accurate machine gun fire against the enemy. A North Vietnamese soldier threw a hand grenade into the emplacement. Private Jenkins quickly seized his comrade and, pushing the man to the ground, leaped on top of the Marine to shield him from the explosion. Absorbing the full impact of the detonation, Jenkins was seriously injured and subsquently succumbed to his wounds. "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIEND." - JOHN 15:13 - "Harbor Queen" (3-C-1) patrol members. 1968. (Top row, L-R): Al Moore, Jerry Beasley. (Bottom row): Unk, Fred Ostrom, Robert Jenkins, Larry Harrod, Randy Rhoads PFC Robert Jenkins, left (KIA 3-5-69) Daniel Tirado, right (KIA 5-7-69) PFC Robert H. Jenkins leaving for FSB Argonne on 3 March 1969. Fred Ostrom, standing next to Robert Jenkins in the group photo above, is the Marine mentioned in Jenkins' Medal of Honor Citation below. The photos are taken from the Vietnam Veterans Home Page The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to Robert Henry Jenkins, Jr Private First Class U.S. Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 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 machinegun 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. Placed by the Putnam County (Florida) Archivist, Mary E. Murphy putnamarchive@hotmail.com

 

28 Sep 2004 I went to the cemetery where you were buried and saw that a tall standing tree was at the foot of your grave. It appears that it was planted several years ago, possibly even when you were buried. It is obvious that your gravesite is well taken care of, and I wondered if your family was responsible for the upkeep. I was not even born when you died but I am amazed with what you did in Vietnam at such a young age. Your actions are certainly a testament to your character and what kind of man you were. God bless you and those that take care of your gravesite. You are alive as long as people remember. Anonymous from Carrollton, Texas 09/28/2004 E-mail address is not available. Gravesite, left; headstone, right. Footstone, left; slab inscription, right.

 

4 May 2005 Dear Family and Friends, I would like to give my greatest sympathy to you and your family. Robert was a great man. He served our country and fought bravely. I am an 8th grade student at St. Michael school in Wheaton, IL. We took a field trip to Washington D.C. this year and visited the Vietnam Wall. We took our rubbings back with us to Illinois. I looked up Mr. Jenkins on the internet and saw all the great things he did to serve our country. I am very sorry for your loss. He seems to have been a great person and valiant soldier. My greatest sympathy to everyone who knew him. From Stan Bobowski IV stanbobowski@sbcglobal.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Three men from Charlie Company, 3rd Recon Bn, died at FSB Argonne on 05 Mar 1969: 2ndLt David C. Ferguson, Wadsworth, OH Pfc Peter F. De Wilde, Lansing, MI (Silver Star) Pfc Robert H. Jenkins, Interlachen, FL (Medal of Honor)

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