In Memory of Col. Gordon Jenkins

Family and friends of the late Col. Gordon Jenkins, USAF (retired) gathered to honor him Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the home of his first cousin, Woody and Diane Jenkins.

Gordon was a 1960 graduate of Baton Rouge High where he played football and participated in track and field. He went on to LSU where he joined the Corps of Cadets and enrolled in the officer training program.  At LSU, he was commander of the Pershing Rifles precision drill team that won the Southeastern Conference championship.

Upon graduation, Gordon qualified as a fighter pilot and ended up in Thailand, running missions over North Vietnam.  After more than 105 combat missions, he was the most decorated lieutenant in the Air Force in Vietnam, winning two Silver Stars. On one occasion, an American pilot was downed and about to be captured by North Vietnamese soldiers. He began scraffing the enemy and was taking heavy ground fire.  

He was ordered to return to base but he ignored the order at great person risk to himself, and the pilot was rescued. After retiring, he became a test pilot for Northup, flying some of the world’s most advanced aircraft. 

His loving wife Mary Pat died four years ago. He is survived by his sister Jan and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.