Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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War on Terrorism (Iraq) - U.S. Army

Travis W Atkins

Details
  • Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: War on Terrorism (Iraq)
  • Unit/Command:
    2d Platoon, Delta Company, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team,
    10th Mountain Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 1, 2007
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Abu Samak, Iraq
Citation

While manning a static observation post in the town of Abu Samak, Iraq, Staff Sergeant Atkins, was notified that four suspicious individuals, walking in two pairs, were crossing an intersection not far from his position. Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately moved his squad to interdict the individuals. One of the individuals began behaving erratically, prompting Staff Sergeant Atkins to disembark from his patrol vehicle and approach to conduct a search. Both individuals responded belligerently toward Staff Sergeant Atkins, who then engaged the individual he had intended to search in hand-to-hand combat. Staff Sergeant Atkins tried to wrestle the insurgent’s arms behind his back. When he noticed the insurgent was reaching for something under his clothes, Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately wrapped him in a bear hug and threw him to the ground, away from his fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant Atkins maintained his hold on the insurgent, placing his body on top of him, further sheltering his patrol. With Staff Sergeant Atkins on top of him, the insurgent detonated a bomb strapped to his body, killing Staff Sergeant Atkins. Staff Sergeant Atkins acted with complete disregard for his own safety. In this critical and selfless act of valor, Staff Sergeant Atkins saved the lives of the three other soldiers who were with him and gallantly gave his life for his country. Staff Sergeant Atkins' undaunted courage, warrior spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Travis W. Atkins
Medal of Honor Recipient Travis W. Atkins
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 27, 2019

    At the White House to his son, Trevor Oliver, by President Donald J. Trump

  • Born: December 9, 1975, Great Falls, Cascade County, MT, United States
  • Died: June 1, 2007, Abu Samak, Iraq
  • Buried: Sunset Hills Cemetery, Bozeman, MT, United States
 
Videos

Medal of Honor Presentation to Travis Atkins

Medal of Honor Presentation to Travis Atkins

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Travis Atkins Remembered - Video by Travis Burcham and Staff Sgt. Moses Ward, Defense Media Activity - Army. 6/4/2019

Travis Atkins Remembered - Video by Travis Burcham and Staff Sgt. Moses Ward, Defense Media Activity - Army. 6/4/2019

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