Bennie G. Adkins

Bennie Gene Adkins was a United States Army soldier and recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Vietnam War. In March 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.

Throughout the grueling battle, Adkins ran through intense enemy fire to man a mortar position, rescue wounded comrades, and defend the camp, sustaining numerous wounds himself. Despite being wounded several times, he led the remaining soldiers to safety and evaded the enemy in the jungle for two days until rescue was possible. Originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in 2014.

Adkins served in the Army for over 22 years, eventually retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. He remained highly respected within the Special Forces community, and after his military career, he earned multiple degrees and established an accounting firm.