Virgil B. Adkins

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Virgil B. Adkins (US52188840), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the morning and afternoon of 17 July 1953, in the vicinity of Sinmok-Tong, Korea, Company B assaulted enemy held Hill 433. In the action, many friendly casualties were sustained and Private Adkins immediately began treating and evacuating them. Disregarding the heavy enemy fire, he repeatedly moved about the terrain under fire to aid wounded raiders. When the unit began to return toward the United Nations main line of resistance, Private Adkins volunteered to remain behind and cover the retrograde movement. Courageously protecting his unit, he directed heavy fire upon the foe until mortally wounded by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Private Adkins’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.