Medal of Honor Hero: The Bennie Adkins Story

SFC Bennie G. Adkins distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Intelligence Sergeant with Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam, from March 9 to 12, 1966. When the camp was attacked by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong in the early morning hours, SFC Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position continually adjusting fire for the camp, despite incurring wounds as the mortar pit received several direct hits from enemy mortars. Upon learning that several soldiers were wounded near the center of camp, he ran through exploding mortar rounds, and dragged several comrades to safety. SFC Adkins exposed himself to sporadic sniper fire while carrying his wounded comrades to the camp dispensary. When SFC Adkins and his group of defenders came under heavy small arms fire from members of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group that had defected to fight with the North Vietnamese, he maneuvered outside the camp to evacuate a seriously wounded American and draw fire, all the while successfully covering the rescue. When a resupply air drop landed outside of the camp perimeter, SFC Adkins, again, moved outside of the camp walls to retrieve the much-needed supplies. On March 10, 1966, enemy forces launched their main attack and within two hours, SFC Adkins was the only man firing a mortar weapon. When all mortar rounds were expended, SFC Adkins began placing recoilless rifle fire upon enemy positions. Despite additional wounds from enemy rounds exploding on his position, he fought off intense waves of attacking Viet Cong and eliminated numerous insurgents with small arms fire after withdrawing to a communications bunker with several soldiers. Running low on ammunition, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered vital ammunition and ran through intense fire back to the bunker. After being ordered to evacuate the camp, SFC Adkins and a small group of soldiers destroyed all signal equipment and classified documents, dug their way out of the rear of the bunker and fought their way out of the camp. While carrying a wounded soldier to the extraction point he learned that the last helicopter had already departed. He led the group while evading the enemy until they were rescued by helicopter on March 12, 1966. During the 38-hour battle and 48 hours of escape and evasion, fighting with mortars, machine guns, recoilless rifles, small arms, and hand grenades, it was estimated that he had killed between 135 and 175 of the enemy while sustaining 18 different wounds to his body. SFC Adkins’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Detachment A-102, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces and the United States Army.

[@thomasjones9662]

Special Forces = Special Men. RIP Soldier.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Glad they added the part where their “ allies “ defected to the enemy. These SF camps were prone to enemies within the wire

[@jgonzalez101]

Sargent First Class Adkins was a true Hero, who fought with the heart of a Lion. He was a true Leader of men!❤️🇺🇸

[@chrispierdominici3891]

What an incredible story of heroism.

[@jeffreypinder9398]

RIP, CSM.

[@jaybee1597]

Great American Warrior! 🇺🇸

[@theodoreyoung7946]

Tango Yankee!!

[@billyjoe415]

What an incredible story of bravery and heroism, from a home grown American son. It would have been an honor to serve under him. I am a Vietnam era veteran, I was never in country, but this man was a ferocious leader of men, and admire his heroism and courage. Rest in peace soldier, your time is done. Tango Yankee.

[@leisurelee1897]

Uncommon valor, by common Americans is the norm of yesteryear. Today, not so much from the civilians but our warriors cannot be matched. Thanks, Dr Lee Stevens, 2nd Lt. USMC in country 1966. Sempre Fi

[@bradr2142]

I'm speechless. I would of loved to been in his presence. He has a ohra. About him.