The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Larry Jenkins (ASN: US-53704683), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Jenkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 November 1968, while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company A, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Tan Tru. After his platoon came under intense hostile fire from an enemy bunker complex, Private Jenkins courageously moved to a forward position and laid down a base of suppressive fire to protect his wounded comrades who were lying exposed to the enemy. Seeing a fellow soldier maneuvering toward an enemy bunker, Private Jenkins, disregarding his own safety, ran to the man’s location and helped silence the emplacement with a heavy volume of accurate fire. While so doing, he was mortally wounded by fire from a previously undetected enemy position. Private First Class Jenkins’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.