To say Medal of Honor Recipient Bennie Adkins was one of nation’s bravest heroes and a pillar within his community would be an understatement. Sadly, we lost this great hero in April of 2020, due to the coronavirus — a global pandemic that has and continues to impact many lives. Today, we highlight Adkins’ selfless contributions and legacy in remembrance and honor of him.

Bennie Adkins’s Legacy

While many may know Adkins as a heroic Veteran who bravely served during the Vietnam War, Alabama native Adkins was also a devoted husband of 59 years, father of four, and grandfather. After his service, he dedicated his life to sharing his story and empowering the youth to live a life that exemplifies the six core values of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism embodied in the Medal of Honor. He went on to write a detailed story of his experiences from Vietnam in his book: A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley by Bennie G. Adkins.

In addition to his commitment to his family and sharing his legacy, Adkins was an alumni of Troy State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree in Education, and a second Master’s degree in Management. While pursuing his degrees, he also founded the Adkins Accounting Service, Inc., in Auburn, Alabama, where he served as the CEO for 22 years. Having a strong desire to further impact and educate those in his community, he taught night classes at Southern Union State Community College for 10 years and Auburn University for six years. In 2017, he also established The Bennie Adkins Foundation, which has provided about 50 educational scholarships to Special Forces soldiers.

You can read Bennie Adkins’ full citation here.

Now more than ever we need the help of citizens like you to join us in perpetuating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and honoring our nation’s heroes. Make a direct impact to the work of the Society today with a charitable donation. The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the sole mission to support the work of the Society. You can also keep up with our upcoming events, special announcements, and partner/Recipient highlights by joining our monthly newsletter.

The values of the Medal of Honor are needed now more than ever. We would like to personally invite you to join us in perpetuating the legacy of the Medal of Honor and honoring our nation’s heroes. Learn more about how you can make a direct impact to the work of the Medal of Honor Society by visiting our website at www.themedalofhonor.com or by joining our monthly newsletter. The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the sole mission to support the work of the Society.