SSG Travis W. Atkins

Fort Drum Public Affairs Office

FORT DRUM – A Soldier assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team was killed near Yusufiyah, Iraq June 1 when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device as he was being apprehended.

Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, 31, a native of Boseman, Mont., was an infantry noncommissioned officer assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment. He enlisted in the Army in November 2002 and completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga.

Atkins deployed to Iraq in August 2006 with his unit.

Atkins' military education includes the Light Infantry Leaders Course, Warrior Leader Course, Combat Life Saver Course, the Dragon Anti-tank Missile Trainer Course and Air Assault Course.

His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Valorous Unit Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Assault Badge.

At a ceremony at the White House on March 27, 2019, President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor for Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins heroic actions. The citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 1 June 2007, while serving in the position of Squad Leader with Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 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.


A Soldier pays his respects to Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, at a memorial ceremony held June 7 at Camp Striker. Atkins was a squad leader with 2-14 and was killed June 1 when he tackled a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq. Atkins, a native of Bozeman, Mont., was credited with saving the lives of several Soldiers by his actions.	Soldiers kneel to pay their respects to Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who was killed June 1 by a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, at a memorial ceremony held June 7 at Camp Striker. Atkins was on a patrol with his unit, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., when they detained men who were wearing suicide vests.	Spc. John Bachman, a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., and a native of Lancaster, Pa., salutes at the June 7 memorial ceremony for Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins.

By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A Soldier was memorialized June 7 on Camp Striker, Iraq, and remembered as “a Soldier’s Soldier” for the heroic actions that cost him his life.

Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, a native of Bozeman, Mont., was on patrol June 1 with his unit, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., when he was killed trying to subdue a suicide bomber.

Atkins’ quick action is credited with saving the rest of the squad from certain injury or death. The second man, also a suicide bomber, was shot by another Soldier in the patrol before he could detonate his vest.

Atkins was remembered as an outstanding Soldier who lived up to the Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer, which states that an NCO always places his Soldiers’ needs above his own.

Chaplain (Capt.) Kent Coffey, a native of Mesa, Ariz., who serves as the 2-14th battalion chaplain, spoke of Atkins’ selflessness.

“Instead of sending one of his guys out to make contact, he took it upon himself, unaware of what was to transpire…I know he was a great example because of the immediate reaction of his team after his life was taken as he fought to prevent a suicide bomber from inflicting harm or injuries to his Soldiers.”

His actions would stand the test of a crucible, Coffey said.

“There will remain a gem, formed in the fires of combat and polished with the selfless spirit of a remarkable man,” said Coffey.

“He exemplified the model quiet professional,” said Co. D Commander Capt. Ben Ruschell, a native of Lexington, Ky. “He was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the Soldiers in his platoon and company. His dedication was contagious, and his devotion will be missed.”

Atkins’ awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with an oak leaf cluster, an Army Achievement Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Non-commissioned Officer’s Professional Development ribbon, an Overseas Service ribbon, an Air Assault badge and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

He is survived by his parents, John and Elaine Atkins of Bozeman, and his son Trevor Oliver of Coon Rapids, Minn.