Staff Sergeant Travis William Atkins was a member of the United States Army who received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his heroism in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Travis Atkins Background
Atkins was born in Great Falls, Montana, on December 9, 1975. He grew up loving the outdoors and spent much time hunting, fishing, and camping. Then, after graduating high school, Atkins became restless and discontent with his civilian life.
On November 9, 2000, he joined the United States Army and attended basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2003, he deployed to Kuwait, where he served as an infantry fire team leader during the invasion of Iraq. He received an honorable discharge on his return.
He then attended the University of Montana and earned a living as a concrete contractor. However, he again found himself dissatisfied with life outside the military. Atkins missed the army and enjoyed being amongst his fellow soldiers. He left Montana and re-enlisted in the army in 2006.
He deployed to Iraq again with the 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. There, his demonstrated bravery earned him his Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Action 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.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.