Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Middle School came into existence due to a restructuring of the middle and high schools in Palatka, Florida in 1977.  Our school is proudly named in honor of a Putnam County resident, Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.

Jenkins was a Marine who, while serving in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, gave his life, by covering a fellow Marine with his own body when a grenade was thrown into their area.  The life that he saved was that of Fred Ostrom.  Ostrom and fellow Marines fund the prestigious Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Memorial Award, which is awarded to students whom exhibit good citizenship, hard work, and an unselfish attitude.  Fred Ostrom has visited Jenkins Middle School many times, and has participated in several ceremonies held in Jenkins' honor.
Our mascot is the American Bald Eagle, a known symbol of honor and bravery.   Our colors are blue and gold, the colors of the Medal of Honor, which Jenkins received posthumously.   Administration, faculty, staff, and students are proud to be called Jenkins' Eagles in honor of a brave young man who unselfishly made the ultimate sacrifice - his life for those of his comrades.

Fred Ostrom
At the memorial dedication for PFC Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.
Jenkins Middle School provides a diverse curriculum designed to meet the varied academic needs of the middle school student.  At Jenkins Middle School, the faculty, staff and administration are dedicated to educational excellence as well as each child's social development.
Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.
Citation for Medal of Honor
JENKINS, ROBERT H., JR. *

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF

Place and date: Fire Support Base Argonne, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1969

Entered service at: Jacksonville, Florida

Born: 1 June 1948, Interlachen, Florida

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Company C, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces. 

Early in the morning Pfc. Jenkins' 12-man reconnaissance team was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Argonne south of the Demilitarized Zone.   Suddenly, the marines were assaulted by a North Vietnamese Army platoon employing mortars, automatic weapons, and hand grenades.  Reacting instantly, Pfc. Jenkins and another marine quickly moved into a 2-man fighting emplacement, and as they boldly delivered accurate machine gun fire against the enemy, a North Vietnamese soldier threw a hand grenade into the friendly emplacement.  Fully realizing the inevitable results of his actions, Pfc. Jenkins quickly seized his comrade, and pushing the man to the ground, he leaped on top of the marine to shield him from the explosion.  Absorbing the full impact of the detonation, Pfc. Jenkins was seriously injured and subsequently succumbed to his wounds.  His courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty saved a fellow marine from serious injury or possible death and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Robert H. Jenkins, Jr.
We honor your memory.


"Semper Fi."
Home