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View Full Version : U.S. Travis Atkins ,Distinguished Service Cross, Iraq



bobdina
10-23-2009, 06:54 PM
Distinguished Service Cross

The DSC is our Nation's second highest award for military valor, behind only the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross was established in 1918 to honor heroism of the highest degree that did not quite merit the Medal of Honor. The Navy Cross (Navy, Marines & Coast Guard) and the Air Force Cross all join the DSC as our Nation's second highest military award.




* Date of birth: 9 Dec. 1975
* Place of birth: Great Falls, Mont.
* Home of record: Bozeman, Mont.


Travis Atkins attended one year at Kemper Military School in Booneville, Missouri, and subsequently joined the Army in 2000, serving in Kuwait in 2002 and making the initial assault into Iraq. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant upon completion of his first tour of duty in Iraq and fulfillment of his military commitment. Returning to Bozeman, Montana, he worked in various jobs and attended classes at the University of Montana before re-enlisting in the U.S. Army in December 2005, subsequently serving another tour in Iraq.

Awards and Citations

1.
Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, on 1 June 2007. Staff Sergeant Atkins distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry at the cost of his life in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While conducting route security in the town of Abu Sarnak, Iraq, Staff Sergeant Atkins apprehended and began to search a group of suspected insurgents. However, one insurgent resisted and engaged Staff Sergeant Atkins in hand-to-hand combat. As Staff Sergeant Atkins attempted to subdue the man, he realized the insurgent was attempting to trigger a suicide vest which he wore under his clothing. Despite Staff Sergeant Atkins' efforts, the insurgent finally succeeded in reaching his vest. Staff Sergeant Atkins selflessly tackled the suicide bomber, pinning him to the ground and shielding his Soldiers from the imminent explosion. In this critical and selfless act of valor in which he was mortally wounded, Staff Sergeant Atkins saved the lives of 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 reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant