FORT BENNING, Ga., (March 18, 2015) -- Medal of honor recipient retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was honored with a ceremony and unveiling of a special statue made depicting what happened in the three days that warranted his award.
Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor during a ceremony held at the White House Sept. 15, 2014, for his actions March 9-12, 1966 near Camp A Shau, Vietnam.
"We're here today paying tribute to an outstanding Soldier and gentleman," said Gary Fuller, mayor of Opelika, Alabama. "In the face of threatening adversity which many would have hesitated and looked for another way out or simply given up, Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins distinguished himself during 38 hours of close combat fighting and 48 hours of escape and evasion against enemy forces on those fateful days."
The artist of the statue, Craig Campbell, said he was privileged one day to hear the entire story from Adkins.
"To me, every sculpture tells a story," Campbell said. "And, the story this one tells is very, very special. When I left there that afternoon, I went immediately to the studio and started sculpting. When I started sculpting, I didn't stop."
Adkins told Campbell he didn't want the statue to be about him, but instead he wanted it to be about everyone else involved in that day in 1966, Campbell said.
The statue includes a scene of Adkins helping two of his buddies along that day, the Medal of Honor awarded to him, a shotgun Adkins had with him, - despite regulation, Campbell said - a standard M16, grenades, a skull and a tiger.
"Part of the story involved a tiger, which fascinated me," Campbell said. "In a lot of cultures, a tiger represents courage. I think that this tiger came along right when Bennie and his buddies needed courage. I think the tiger was sent."
In the sculpture, the tiger appears to be peaking out from a forest, and further into the forest, the enemy with an AK-47 can be seen.
Campbell also explained that part of the story involved grenades and a heroic act, while that the skull represented death, but in a way that connects all people.
The most important piece, Campbell said, was the five dog tags, which represent the five men who didn't make it back.
Lee County Sherriff Jay Jones spoke of related, familiar monuments in the country. From the World War II memorial and the Vietnam memorial to the Statue of Liberty, Jones said anyone who gazes upon memorials such as these are affected. He then congratulated Adkins on the "wonderful sculpture."
"Many of you have heard when Bennie speaks, he talks not of himself, but of those that were left behind," Jones said. "He talks of how important it is that we never forget and always remember their sacrifices."
Jones began to thank Adkins for his service.
"This morning I got up and I had a cup of coffee in my own home. Thanks, Bennie. I was able to drive here, pick the route I wanted to go, the way I wanted to do it. Thanks, Bennie. I was able to watch those firemen and Honor Guard bring that flag up here today. Thanks, Bennie," Jones said.
Fuller said it was appropriate the president and the nation recognize Adkins for his personal act of valor that reached far and above the call of duty.
"Your country owes you a debt it can never fully repay," said Bill English, probate judge of Lee County.
Adkins was also presented a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor.
In addition to Adkins being honored, Fuller took the time to thank Adkins' wife, Mary, by giving her a bouquet of roses and telling her she is thought of as a hero, too.
"While Bennie was away facing all the harsh situations of war, (at home in Opelika), there was Mary, raising their children and keeping the home fires burning brightly as she waited for his return."
Fuller said during those days, Mary received three letters: one that Bennie was missing in action, one that he was found but there was no report of his condition and finally, one saying that he had returned to duty.
"Mary has often stated, it was only by the strength of God and her Family, and her precious children, who certainly needed their mother to be strong for them, that she was able to make it through," Fuller said.
True to Adkins' personality, he let those in attendance know that the honor would not go to his head.
"You may look in the dictionary and find the definition of humility, but all you have to do is look her at the front and you will understand what humility is," Adkins said. "I am probably the most humble individual that you will ever see in this life.
"Who would believe an old Special Forces grunt like me would attract a standing-ovation crowd."
Adkins said that Opelika would be the home of the statue, though his Family will allow it occasionally be loaned out.
Social Sharing