Coming home from Dallas during “Ice-mageddon 2013,” aka Winter Storm Cleon, my flight to Raleigh got delayed like hundreds of others. My first thought was, “Darn. We were supposed to decorate our Christmas tree tonight…” Then, I looked around and saw strangers chatting, smiling, and sharing stories of the storm, sudden friends through the bond of adversity. Unexpected moments, breaks from the hustle and bustle of regular life, can change a life forever.
Next to me sat a well-traveled gentleman, Mark, wearing a leather bomber jacket embroidered with “Semper fi.” My brother is a Marine… To Mark, I said, “Thank you for your service to our country.” He smiled graciously and said, “You’re welcome.”
We chatted a bit more. He shared that he appreciates how supportive the American people are of the military and added that when he served in Vietnam it wasn’t always that way.
Then he looked away, obviously musing over a special memory. He dug in his pocket, pulled out a coin and placed it in my hand. He explained that it was a challenge coin, given to him by Don Jenkins, a U.S. Army Veteran and Vietnam War hero.
A challenge coin is a medallion bearing an organization’s insignia and carried by the organization’s members to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale, a tradition dating back to World War I. This Challenge Coin signifies S. Sgt. Don Jenkins’ membership in an elite group of heroes. Only 3468 Medals of Honor have been awarded to heroes for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
The rest of this post is Don’s story as Mark told it to me.
Sitting in an airport a few years ago, Mark saw a dignified man wearing a backpack with a navy and light blue insignia. He recognized it as the Congressional Medal of Honor insignia and approached the man to thank him for his service and sacrifice to our country. The men parted ways.
A bit later, Mark boarded his flight and as happens in stories like these, our hero, Don Jenkins, was on the same flight seated next to Mark. They talked. Mark learned the man’s story of courage and sacrifice.
At one point during the flight, Mr. Jenkins went to the back of the plane. Mark seized the opportunity and told the flight attendant that there was a celebrity on the flight. She asked who, but did not recognize the name “Don Jenkins.” The flight attendant listened as Mark shared the story of Don’s heroism, which happened exactly 45 years ago today, and shared it with the pilots. The pilots, in turn, confirmed the story.
Sometime after Don returned to his seat, the captain voice crackled over the loudspeaker. He shared Don’s story with everyone on board. Here’s what he shared, as summarized by Home of Heroes.
When his company came under heavy crossfire from an enemy complex, Staff Sergeant Jenkins maneuvered forward to a perilously exposed position and began placing suppressive fire on the enemy. When his machine gun jammed, he obtained a rifle and continued to fire into the enemy bunkers until his machinegun was repaired by his assistant. He exposed himself to heavy fire when he repeatedly both ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain re-supplies of ammunition until he had exhausted all that was available for his machinegun. He then armed himself with two antitank weapons and maneuvered alone through the hostile fusillade to within 20 meters of an enemy bunker to destroy that position. After moving back to the friendly defensive perimeter long enough to secure yet another weapon, a grenade launcher, he moved forward and resumed placing accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition was again exhausted. He was seriously wounded but he moved 100 meters to aid a friendly element that was pinned down only a few meters from the enemy. Ignoring the continuing intense fire and his painful wounds, and hindered by darkness, he made three trips to the beleaguered unit, each time pulling a wounded comrade back to safety.
When the pilot finished, the entire plane erupted in cheers of thanks. Through it all, Don’s eyes filled with tears.
Quietly, Don asked Mark if he was responsible. Mark nodded yes.
Don then dug deep into his bag, the satchel with the blue insignia that started it all, and pulled out his Congressional Medal of Honor Challenge Coin. “I want you to have this,” he spoke as he pressed a small object into Mark’s hand.
To this day, Mark carries Don Jenkins’ Challenge Coin everywhere he goes. Mark shares Don’s story of sacrifice, on the field and off, with anyone who wants to listen. He wants people to know that Vietnam Veterans, including Don Jenkins, sacrificed for our freedom and should be treated as the heroes they are.
There are two heroes in this story… Don Jenkins, whose story we now know, and Mark Ode, USMC, a veteran of the same era. Mark never had to fight in Vietnam, and he does not claim to be a hero. Here, we disagree.
Hero: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. (emphasis mine)
Mark, Semper Fi. Thank you…. for being a hero too. Without your quiet respect for Don Jenkins, I would never have “met” him. I am forever changed by our brief encounter. Thank you.
Thank you, active military members and veterans, for protecting our freedom.
Special thanks to S. Sgt. Don Jenkins, Mark Ode of the USMC,
my dad — PO1 Bob Presley of the US Coast Guard, and my brother — Cpl. Jim Presley of the USMC.
Story edited for accuracy. 1/7/2014
What an amazing story! I love how things that seem to be the worst often turn into the most amazing days.
It’s all about attitude! We can look at a delay as an inconvenience, an interruption or an opportunity!
I’m from the Dallas area and vividly remember that storm. You did a great tribute here. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks, Kim. That means a lot. What a storm!!! I’ll never forget it.
WOW, a big thanks to Marc and you for continuing to share Don’s story. It’s important for people to understand what our military really does sacrifice. Thanks again for sharing this story.
That sacrifice is far greater than any words can convey. Living in NC, close to many military bases, I realize that the family sacrifices as much as our military does. Though that story is also rarely told.
Wow! What a chance meeting– such an amazing story.
Thanks, Maryann.
What a beautiful story. I almost never read blog posts all the way through but I just couldnt stop reading!
Thank you, Laura. This was a long post too! I couldn’t make it shorter — even though I tried.
What an amazing story! The brave men and women who protect our great Country are true heroes and deserve to be praised as such!
Thanks Claudia. I hope you’ll remember Don every Veteran’s Day.
Such a powerful story. Thank you for sharing and thank you for reminding us all to take more time to thank our heros!
This story is a perfect reminder of how we can all be heroes by respecting and appreciating others sacrifice for our safety and freedoms. It’s so crucial to support the men and women who are willing to risk themselves for others.
Thank you, Jessica. It reminds me that everyone has a story! We just need to take time to listen and learn. I’m so touched to know Marc’s story — and even more, Don’s.
Such a perfect story to share on Veteran’s Day. I’m so very grateful for those who serve/have served.
Thank you.
WOW, I have goosebumps – this is a beautiful story and I, too, and grateful you shared it with us.
Thank you. Don’s story is so like many, especially during Vietnam. I am thankful to know his story and to know his story touches hearts. I hope that’s an honor he would appreciate.
What a great story! Perfect for sharing on Veteran’s day. Thanks for sharing it with us!
You’re welcome. 🙂
Such a great story and perfect for today. Love that he was called a celebrity.
Cher, I agree. We never think of the military in terms of celebrity, do we? The word hero is thrown around a lot, but not celebrity. Probably most would not want attention for their actions. They consider it duty, but when we compare that to the craziness that surrounds Hollywood celebrities, maybe we are misguided? Just a bit?
Wow thank you sharing Don’s story. What a hero!
I agree! And you’re welcome.
What a great encounter with a truly special and well deserving person. Beautiful moments happen when we least expect them to.
Yes, they do! Thanks for reading it.
Wow both Don and Mark’s stories are pretty incredible. It’s awesome that you had the opportunity to hear them.
Liz, thank you. I no longer complain (too much) about flight delays. There’s always a chance to learn something! I certainly didn’t expect this story!
What what an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing it today.
Thank you for reading it. 🙂
Mark’s story is rather touching. I liked that you made the effort to speak to him as we would not know the amazing things this man has done for his country
The craziness from the ice storm really led to a true sense of camaraderie that wouldn’t happen on a regular air travel day. People were tired and wanted to get home, but we all knew we were in it together. I’m glad the people waiting at my gate wanted to make it easier — sharing phone chargers, family photos and remarkable stories!
What a touching story! That is great that the pilot shared this story with the passengers. I bet there was not a dry eye on the plane!
My eyes filled with tears at the retelling of the story. I can only imagine how it must have been for the people on that flight.
That is an amazing story. I am married to a vet and he has some stories to tell, too.
I’m sure he does, Robin. Please thank him for serving — and thank you, too, for sharing him with us. I appreciate your sacrifice.
What an amazing story and perfect for sharing on Veteran’s Day. I’m sure that coin is very special and it sounds like this was a truly life changing experience.
I still think of Marc and Don when I travel. I wonder if the person next to me has an incredible story every time! They usually do, too.
That’s a beautiful story, and I’m glad I had chance to read it. They’re both heroes in my book!
Mine too! Marc didn’t like that designation, though. Most heroes don’t. You know?
What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it on this very important day.
Thanks for reading.
The best moments in life always seem to come when we are least expecting them.
I agree 100%!
I met Don Jenkins a very Brave American a couple years ago. He gave me one of his Medal of Honor medals. I Proudly have it displayed in my home. I want to thank Don Jenkins and all of our past and present troops on this Memorial day. Jerry Bateman
How awesome. Don Jenkins is a truly special man. Thank you for sharing.
Oh great…I just HAD to read this now…now when I have company on the way over. Thanks for NOT giving me a heads up that I’d need a tissue…or ten!!!
*sniffle* That was beautiful and you are a sweetie pie for taking the time to share this with all of us.
Brat…*sniffling again*
Sharon, Sometimes we have to throw a curveball, right? If I was too predictable you’d get bored. Now sniffle — and move on. Enjoy time with your guests.
This is a touching story. Even though you were bummed about your own problems, you took the time out to ask someone else how their day was going. Thank you for sharing this story, I love that our servicemen and their families sacrafice so much for our freedom.
Aww, thanks Christy. By the way, my kids and hubby did a fabulous job decorating the tree and the house. Even got lights hung outside. Apparently, I’ve lost my decorating job! 🙂
Wow! No words. This is so touching. Such a beautiful encounter Karen.
Thanks, Lexie. I’m honored to have had the chance to share it.
Thanks Kid;
Your Mom and I read the story and it is great. People like that deserve all the credit and thanks they can get. Jim is at work, but will see it later. Continue the good work and we love you, even if we disagree about football ocassionally.
Dad
Thanks, Dad. For serving our country — and for the love! You betrayed the Buckeyes by cheering for Clemson, though. Tssk. Love,
Me
That’s a really amazing story of courage and sacrifice for the country. It’s amazing what can happen when you flight gets delayed.
Dominique, don’t the most amazing things happen at the most unexpected times? I’m forever changed as a traveler — I hope for more opportunities like this, whether a flight delay or a chance encounter.
What an incredible story. The brave men and women who protect our great Country are true heroes. Each and every single one of them deserve a story as magical as this one. Thank you for sharing.
I’m honored that my life was interrupted enough to learn about Don Jenkins. I live near Ft. Bragg and hear stories all the time. Something about how Mark shared Don’s story affected me so deeply. We talk cavalierly about heroes, but I am beginning to understand the true sacrifice. Beginning….
Amen and Semper Fi.
My mother-in-law’s husband was wounded twice in Viet Nam. The first time he was shot. He recovered in a hospital and went back to the war. The second tour, a land mine blew off both his legs, one of his arms and a couple of fingers on the remaining hand. He continued firing his weapon to assist his unit. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and (at least one) a Bronze Star. Back in the world, he earned two Master’s Degrees and spent the rest of his working life aiding other Disabled Veterans.
(Visiting from the group at vB.)
WOW, LuAnn, thank you for sharing his story. I live near Ft. Bragg and hear so much about those who serve now, but I am only really beginning to hear hero stories from Vietnam. Thank you for sharing your family’s story. Thank you to your mother-in-law’s husband for his selfless service, both during and after the war.
My father was a Vietnam Vet. There are certain stories that just send chills on me. This is one.
Thanks for your dad’s service to our country, Debi.
Thanks for sharing this story, Karen. Having a son in the military and a cousin wounded in Afghanistan, I truly appreciate hearing others’ stories of the support our troops receive.
This was definitely one of those moments that will stick with me a very long time. I’ve said thanks to military vets before — but no one has ever shared how much it means. I’ll never forget the power of a “thank you.” Which branch is your son in?
WOW – Amazing how a short interaction, a small gesture can change someone’s life, isn’t it, Karen? Thanks so much for sharing your “Heroes Among Us” story with us.
I’m honored to have had the opportunity to hear this story and the platform to share it.