SILVER STAR MEDAL to CORPORAL VICTOR JINKERSON UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS For service as set forth in the following CITATION: FOR THE PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a squad
Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine
Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of
Vietnam. On the afternoon of 7 February 1968, when one of the platoons from
Company K became pinned down by the fire from an estimated North Vietnamese
Army battalion south of Gio Linh, Corporal Jinkerson moved with his platoon
to assist the beleaguered unit. As his unit approached the embattled area,
it came under intense enemy fire and sustained heavy casualties, including
the platoon commander who was mortally wounded. Quickly assuming command,
Corporal Jinkerson skillfully established a defensive perimeter for the
landing zone and company command post and directed evacuation efforts to
retrieve the dead and wounded. Although he was wounded in the head and arm,
he completely disregarded his own safety as he continuously moved from one
position to another throughout the afternoon, encouraging his men and
directing and controlling suppressive counter fire, which prevented the
enemy form infiltrating the perimeter. When medical evacuation helicopters
arrived the following morning, Corporal Jinkerson assisted in evacuating
casualties, refusing evacuation for himself until all members of his unit
were accounted for. His leadership and selfless concern for his fellow
Marines inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the
lives of several Marines. By his extraordinary courage, bold initiative and
unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Jinkerson upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
