Jason Robert Harkins
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 17 March 2007, Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins was serving with the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, SGT Harkins’ squad was securing a route through a build-up area to overnight watch positions when it was ambushed. Several Soldiers were initially wounded by a barrage of fire from multiple directions. Once reinforcements made the enemy break contact, SGT Harkins, despite a head wound, organized a medical evacuation extraction that safely transported each casualty to safety and treatment. SGT Harkins’ selfless, courageous actions that day earned him the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

SGT Harkins and other members of his unit were killed on 6 May 2007 in a roadside bomb explosion.

Medals, Awards and Badges (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Infantryman Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

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 Staff Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 3d Platoon, Company A, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 2d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 17 March 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Harkins' squad was ambushed and several Soldiers were initially wounded during the ensuing fire fight. Staff Sergeant Harkins, wounded himself, organized a perimeter to gain fire superiority which defeated insurgent forces, and conducted casualty evacuation for three wounded soldiers. Staff Sergeant Harkins' gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Honors

Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins was one of 15 honorees inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2019. Photos of the inductees will hang on the Heroes Wall of the Floyd Building in the State Capitol complex in Atlanta, GA. Honorees were inducted at the 7th Annual Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony and banquet on Saturday, 2 November 2019, at the St. Luke Ministry Center in Columbus, GA.

Burial

Sergeant Jason Robert Harkins is buried at Yonah View Memorial Gardens in Cleveland, White County, GA.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19284862/jason-r-harkins