Jenkins Jr., Samuel, 1SG

Deceased
 
 Photo In Uniform   Service Details
145 kb
Last Rank
First Sergeant
Last Service Branch
Armor
Last Primary MOS
11D10-Armor Reconnaissance Specialist
Last MOS Group
Armor
Primary Unit
1977-1979, 19Z50, 1st Training Brigade (Cadre) Fort Knox, KY
Service Years
1959 - 1980
Official/Unofficial US Army Certificates
Cold War Certificate
Order of the Spur
Armor
First Sergeant
Seven Service Stripes
Four Overseas Service Bars

 Last Photo   Personal Details 

39 kb


Home State
Illinois
Illinois
Year of Birth
1938
 
Contact Info
Home Town
Vine Grove, KY
Date of Passing
Jun 04, 2007
 

 Official Badges 

25th Infantry Division US Army Retired (Pre-2007) Army Honorable Discharge (1984-Present)


 Unofficial Badges 

Armor Shoulder Cord Cold War Medal Order of The Spur (Gold) Cold War Veteran




 Military Associations and Other Affiliations
25th Infantry Division Association3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Association
  1988, 25th Infantry Division Association
  1990, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Association


 Ribbon Bar

Combat Infantryman 1st Award
Rifle

 
 Unit Assignments
1st Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment2nd Battle Group, 27th Infantry2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry
Hawaii NCO Academy (Cadre) Schofield Barracks3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning)US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
US Army Armor Center and School (Cadre) Fort Knox, KY
  1959-1960, 133.10, B Company, 1st Battalion, 11th Armored Cavalry
  1962-1962, 133.10, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
  1962-1963, 11D10, HHC, 2nd Battle Group, 27th Infantry
  1963-1965, 11D10, HHC, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry
  1965-1965, 11D10, Hawaii NCO Academy (Cadre) Schofield Barracks
  1967-1968, 11D10, B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry
  1967-1968, 11D10, 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning)
  1968-1968, 11D10, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry
  1968-1969, 11D10, 25th Infantry Division (Tropic Lightning)
  1968-1969, 11D10, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry
  1972-1974, 11D10, US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
  1977-1979, 19Z50, 1st Training Brigade (Cadre) Fort Knox, KY
 Combat and Non-Combat Operations
  1968-1968 Vietnam War/Tet Counteroffensive Campaign (1968)
  1968-1968 Vietnam War/Tet Counteroffensive Campaign (1968)
  1968-1968 Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase IV Campaign (1968)/Operation TOAN THANG II
  1968-1968 Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase V Campaign (1968)
  1968-1969 Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VI Campaign (1968-69)
  1969-1969 Vietnam War/Tet 69 Counteroffensive Campaign
  1969-1969 Vietnam War/Summer-Fall 1969 Campaign
 Other News, Events and Photographs
 
  Jun 30, 1979, Retirement
  Apr 06, 2013, Other Photos
 Additional Information
Last Known Activity:



Obituary for Samuel G. Jenkins Jr.
Samuel G. Jenkins Jr., 69, of Elizabethtown, KY passed away Monday, June 04, 2007 at his residence. Mr. Jenkins was retired from the United States Army.  He is survived by:  1 step son Bill McHatton of Lexington, KY, 1 brother Dr. Robert Jenkins of Park City, UT and a cousin John Jenkins of Danville, IL.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2007 at Coffey & Chism Funeral Home, Vine Grove, KY
 

Comments from Fellow Soldiers
My condolences to Sam's family and his many friends. God bless you Sam for just being you; for being a great soldier; and for all you did for so many people throughout your life.
From: Brian O'Keeffe    07/18/2007 05:30 PM
 
To Sam's family, my condolences to you all. I'm sure you will miss this wonderful man as I will, and any of the 3/4 Cav Troopers that had the honor of knowing, and working with him. To Sam.... You were the best and I salute you, Sir! Thank you! John Phelan, A-Troop, 68-70
From: John Phelan    07/02/2007 10:05 PM
 
I want sams family to know that he was a great man and i wish them all the best through this trying time. Sam was a truly great man and leader. Hewas the kind of person that made you feel as if nothing bad was going to happen to you when you were around him . To quote Roger See if you knew him you really cant say enough. Robert F. Bob Rice Alpha troop 1968 r
From: Robert F. Bob Rice    06/10/2007 09:19 PM
 
Lighting a cigar,looking left and right on the line of 1st Plt vehicles fighting on the edge of the woodline,Sam sat upright on the cupola of A-15 and gave me more confidence that I might survive.It was Feb 2nd 69 and to a scared 20 year old in his first fire fight, Sam made a strong fearless leader who was an inspiration to all of us. God bless him and he will be sorely missed by all of us who had the distinct honor to know him.
From: Doug Clapp    06/10/2007 07:05 AM
 
Last week at work I told my assistant that it had been a while since I talked to my platoon sergeant that I served with in Vietnam. I called Sam on Thursday May 31 and he answered right away. The conversation was short and before we hung up, I told him we had a great platoon. And we were fortunate to have him as our leader. I served with a lot of brave guys. And to this day I will always remember Sam's courage under fire in the Michelin. God bless you Sam. Wish we could have spent more time together. Walter Jones, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary, 25th Inf. Div. 1968
From: Walter Jones    06/08/2007 11:26 PM
 
Dear Family Members: Words cannot express my condolences to you for your loss. While I didn't personally know Sam, I have a great appreciation for the man he was and the life he lived. As I read through some of the written on-line memorials, it was apparent that he touched the lives of many in very significant ways. Bill, I witness daily what he instilled in you: character, integrity, sensitivity to others (well, almost) and the courage of a lion. I enjoy the stories that you’ve shared with me about the fishing outings, basketball, track running, his dog being lost, how he loved your mom and took very good care of her; and all the other beautiful memories he created for you. Patty, I'm sure that most of those qualities that you love about Bill were acquired from the rearing Sam provided. As a mother of a 1st Cav young man, I’m appreciative of the service Sam gave during his active duty period. God be with you all.
From: Bren Jones    06/08/2007 03:44 PM
 
We'd like to thank those of his family and friends who had a part in his making for sending us such a fine man, and we're especially grateful for all who participated in his care these past months--his neighbor, Pat, for fixing his evening meals every night, and Frosty, who Sam mentioned all the time. Not long ago, Sam and I were talking on the phone, and somehow noticed that neither one of us was good about going to church. I mentioned to him that the best church house I'd ever been in was the stars above the Hobo Woods. We had a warm, hearty laugh; there was something agreeable in the memory. Last night I imagined the joy that must have lit up in Sam's wife to see him crossing that starry road in her direction and retired with a smile. My heart still aches with yours, though. Carroll Hawley, 68-69.
From: Carroll Hawley    06/07/2007 10:32 AM
 
As we journey through life we meet many a man, but few is the number that rise to the level of our admiration as our departed friend, Sam Jenkins. I could go on, but if you knew him, you already know. Roger A. See, A Troop 68-69
From: Roger A. See    06/06/2007 10:59 PM
 
I remember Sam from Vietnam, but first got to know him personally at the "04" reunion. He was like a father you looked up to,and always had the right answer to your questions. I was looking forward to seeing him at the next reunion, and greatly disappointed when he was unable to make it. Always in my heart, always in my prayers. God bless you Sam.
From: William E. Baum    06/06/2007 09:57 PM
 
My deapest sympathy, I didn't know Sam well but I had a lot of respect for him for what he did over in Nam and for the regard his fellow troopers had for him. Dick Hatband (39er xray) 3rd plt. A-Troop 68-69.
From: Harry Watson    06/06/2007 07:31 PM
 
My sincere condolences to Sam’s family. It is extremely important to all of us who had the privilege to serve with Sam, to ensure that you know how much this man was loved and respected by his comrades. It was always hard to give him a compliment as he was very reserved in accepting praise. Thankfully, I did have an opportunity to finally tell Sam what a very special person he was not only to me personally, but to all of us who had the opportunity to be with him in the most challenging of times. Sam, we will miss you dearly and accept your wishes. Thank you for being there when we needed you for you brought out the best of everyone as we reached to your standards. Go in peace, Sam Jenkins, and rest assured that we here will hold you fondly in or memories. I will see you at the “Green”. Mel Moss A Troop, 3/4 Cav
From: Mel Moss    06/06/2007 09:26 AM
 
Sam was the best soldier that I ever served with and he wasn't afraid of anything. He was like a dad to me and we'll be praying for the family. We send our deepest regards to the family for one of the greatest soldier's that ever lived. 1st plt A Troop (68/69). Larry & Dale.
From: Larry Heath    06/05/2007 10:13 PM
 
Sam will be missed by all of us in the 3/4 Cav Chapter. May the Good Lord always hold him in the Palm of His hands. Tell we meet again in Fiddlers Green. God Rest his soul
From: Roger A. Mc Gill    06/05/2007 08:28 PM
 
Sam was responsible for many troopers returning home from VietNam alive. He was the bravest man I had ever met. Greatly respected by all who knew him. Ron Moore 1st platoon A Troop 1968-1969
From: Ron Moore   06/05/2007 03:11 PM
 
I served with sam at the same time in Vietnam. he was not only a great NCo but a warm and giving person. He was a faithful member of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Association. We'll meet again in Fiddler's Green.
From: Jerry Headley    06/05/2007 09:47 AM
 
My condolences to Sam's family. We have lost a great soldier, friend, and man. Sam was a genuine hero. Sam's leadership as our platoon sergeant helped us, the members of his platoon, survive some tough situations. I will be forever grateful for the friendship and advice Sam gave me as a new platoon leader. Sam is gone but will not be forgotten by those who served with him in Vietnam and owe him so much. John Moore 1st Platoon, A Troop 3/4 Cavalry 1968/1969.
From: John Moore    06/05/2007 09:24 AM
 
There are no words that I can express to ease the pain at the loss of this Great American. I first met Sam when assigned to his platoon in Vietnam in 1968. I learned so much at a very fast pace from this mountain of a man; learning experiences that have made me a better and more compassionate man, husband, father and friend. Sam is and was living proof that one person can make a difference in shaping soldiers and a nation. I thank The LORD everyday for the many blessings; one of which was being assigned to 1st Platoon back in 1968. I stayed in contact with Sam after our reunion in 2004 and visited with him just two weeks ago. He said 'Monty I'm not doing to good but hanging in there as they've done all they can do". Sam thank you and God bless your soul. Manny Montanez, A-Troop, 68-69
From: Manny Montanez    06/05/2007 09:23 AM
 
My condolences, and may he rest in peace, from one old trooper to the family of another. Bob Dandridge, A-Troop, 67-68
From: Bob Dandridge    06/05/2007 08:23 AM