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
Died	April 17, 2020(2020-04-17) (aged 86) Opelika, Alabama
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	Vietnam War Battle of A Shau
Awards	Medal 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]