Repton soldier dies (Troy Jenkins, hero who threw himself on bomb to save unit and children)

Mobile Press Register ^ | 4/24/03 | Connie Baggett

[SeattleTiger]

A 25-year-old paratrooper hailed as a hero died Wednesday of injuries he suffered in an explosion Saturday while working crowd control in Baghdad.

nie Gibson, the mother of Sgt. Troy Jenkins, said Thursday she walked onto her porch to feed her cats just before 8 a.m. and an officer from Fort Rucker pulled into her yard to tell her that her son had died.

"I wouldn't wish this on anyone," Gibson said, a button bearing her son's photograph and yellow ribbons still clipped to her blouse. "He said Troy passed away en route to Germany yesterday. I'm throwing all my support behind the soldiers still over there. My son was brave, so now I've got to be brave."

Jenkins was the sixth Alabamian to die in the war in Iraq, which has claimed the lives of about 130 members of the U.S. armed services.

Gibson relayed days ago the story she said military officials told her concerning her son's injuries. According to her account, Jenkins was working in crowd control in Baghdad when an Iraqi child playing with unexploded ordnance approached a group of soldiers, tossing it toward them. Jenkins recognized the danger and threw himself on the explosive as it detonated, saving the lives of the soldiers and child, Gibson said. His actions, she said, make him an "absolute hero."

The blast severed Jenkins' left leg and fingers on his left hand and left shrapnel wounds to much of his body.

[SeattleTiger]

Posted his story here ('Absolute hero' badly hurt in Iraq) when it was originally published on Tuesday.

Gibson said, a button bearing her son's photograph and yellow ribbons still clipped to her blouse. "He said Troy passed away en route to Germany yesterday. I'm throwing all my support behind the soldiers still over there. My son was brave, so now I've got to be brave."

God bless Troy and his family. Sounds like he came by his bravery naturally.

[JennysCool]

Good Lord, there is a true hero and I think one can tell how he came about his heroism by listening to his mother. God bless them all!

[SeattleTiger]

Second paragraph should start with his mother's name, Connie.

Cannot type this morning. Must.have.much.more.coffee.

[Bahbah]

Such a loss. Tears and prayers for this brave family.

[Hodar]

I don't know who I admire the most. The soldier who selflessly sacrificed himself to save those he loved.

Or, his family; who in unbearable grief over the loss of a stellar human being, have the dignity and bearing they have demonstrated.

The world, and our nation need more people like these.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Bravery.

[OldFriend]

The mom raised a hero and she's a hero in my eyes. Prayers for her and all who loved this soldier.

[jjm2111]

There is no greater gift than one who will give his life for a friend.

What a brave man.

[agrace]

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

[Southack]

bump

[section9]

Question: does this soldier, through his selfless and heroic act, become a candidate for the Medal of Honor?

I'm not sure, as I think the CMH is given out for acts conducted while in contact with the enemy.

Please advise.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[SeattleTiger]

ping. Troy Jenkins passed away yesterday. Thanks for your prayers.

[ZULU]

Compare this patriotic, loyal, selfless family and individuals with the egotistical, self-centered, spoiled, overpaid, undertalented human offal like Saradon, Garafalo, Madonna, Dixie Chicks, Tim Robbins, Martin Sheen, Ed Asner, Jane Fondas, and all their depraved ilk.

It makes me physically sick when scum like those "Stars" critize America and Americans like this boy.

[Lijahsbubbe]

How amazing that a person could be that brave and selfless.

A true hero.

[winner3000]

I thank this soldier and his family for reminding us again the true meaning of the word "HERO". My eyes are tearing up.

[SERE_DOC]

Yes

[TopQuark]

Thanks for the ping. I wish it had better news though.

So many insignificant and even outright bad people work and function and enjoy life. I wish G-d gave this great man more years to live and to his parents comfort of having him in their old age.

My heart goes to his family. I'll remember this gentleman, this hero and great American.

[firewalk]

Thank you for the ping

prayers

[goodnesswins]

And the left wonders where these people come from....GOD BLESS TROY and HIS FAMILY, true, freedom loving, brave, and selfless REAL Americans....(unlike many scum who call America home)

[Psalm 73]

No greater love than to lay down ones life for a friend - "Father in heaven, comfort and bless Troy's grieving family and friends, and wrap your loving arms tightly around them. Amen"