By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor

The Bennie Adkins Foundation will host a public book signing event May 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities to promote a new novel, “A Tiger among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley.”
Co-written by Adkins and Auburn University graduate and acclaimed author Katie Lamar Jackson, the book delves into Adkins’ heroic actions at Camp A Shau March 9-12, 1966.
Adkins, along with 16 other Green Berets, were trapped in a vulnerable, unfortified position near the notorious Ho Chi Minh Trail, a major supply route used by North Vietnamese forces.
The book chronicles the dangers the group faced, which includes North Vietnamese forces armed with mortars and other weapons, misinformation, unpredictable weather and unfaithful allies.
Despite the risks involved, Adkins “battled ferociously, like a tiger” and helped evacuate the wounded to safety. His heroic actions resulted in his becoming a Medal of Honor recipient in 2012.
Reviews of the book have been posted since its May 15 release, stating that it serves an accurate reflection of Adkins and his acts of valor.
“A Tiger among Us tells the riveting, real life story of an American hero in Vietnam who repeatedly risked his life to help save his fellow warriors. His selfless bravery in the face of overwhelming odds in 1966–and his long, honorable career in the US Army–reflects the best of America’s military tradition. This is a story every American should read,” said Retired Gen. Tommy R. Franks, former commander of U.S. Central Command.
“In his magnificent memoir A Tiger among Us, Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins proves that he is as talented a writer as he is an intrepid warrior. He has penned a gripping, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour account of one of the most intense Special Forces battles of the Vietnam War,” said Retired Col. Thomas R Yarbrough, author of two books on the Vietnam War. “This is a powerful, riveting story about valor, comradeship, and self-sacrifice in the deadly A Shau Valley. A must-read for all soldiers, scholars, and students of leadership.”
For more information about the event, like and follow the Bennie Adkins Foundation Facebook page. The venue is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.