In March 1966, a large enemy force launched an assault on Camp A Shau, where Adkins was se

In March 1966, a large enemy force launched an assault on Camp A Shau, where Adkins was serving as an Intelligence Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group. Mortar rounds struck his position, yet he continued firing, adjusting the fire for the entire camp even as his own area took direct hits.

Upon learning that soldiers were injured nearby, he relinquished his mortar and dragged them to safety through the barrage of explosions, then ventured outside the camp alone to rescue a wounded American, drawing enemy fire onto himself. Adkins became the sole soldier still firing a mortar. When his rounds were depleted, he picked up a recoilless rifle, followed by a rifle, then grenades.

Ordered to evacuate, his unit fought their way out of the camp. He missed the final helicopter. For another 48 hours, wounded eighteen times, he led his men through hostile territory until rescue arrived. Adkins is believed to have killed between 135 and 175 enemy combatants during that battle. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1967, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor in 2014. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 86, recognized as one of America’s most decorated soldiers.

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