Bennie G. Adkins
| Bennie G. Adkins | |
|---|---|
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Adkins receiving the Medal of Honor from President Obama
|
|
| Born |
February 1, 1934 Waurika, Oklahoma |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1978 |
| Rank | Command Sergeant Major |
| Unit |
5th Special Forces Group  
|
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal (2 with "V" device) Purple Heart (3) |
Bennie G. Adkins (born February 1, 1934) is a retired United States Army soldier and 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.
Adkins was born in Waurika, Oklahoma and was drafted in 1956. He was assigned to a garrison unit in Germany, with a follow-on assignment to the 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia. After attending Airborne School, he volunteered for Special Forces in 1961, serving with Special Forces for more than 13 years with the 7th, 3rd, 6th and 5th Special Forces Groups (Airborne). During that time he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam three times between 1963 and 1971. In April 1967, Adkins is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions with Detachment A-102 during his second tour in Vietnam. After Vietnam, Adkins was assigned to Fort Huachuca. Graduating in the third-class of the Sergeant Major Academy, Adkins finally retired from the Army in 1978. Before retiring, as a sergeant major he returned to the Special Forces at Fort Bragg, then went to Fort Sherman and led training at its Jungle Operations Training Center. After the Army, Adkins earned a bachelor's and two Master's degrees from Troy State University. Additionally, he ran his own accounting company, and taught classes at Southern Union Junior College and Auburn University. On May 12, 2017, Troy University Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. awarded Adkins with an honorary doctorate of laws.
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