MEDAL OF HONOR
Operation Iraqi FreedomLive Webcast: Medal of Honor Ceremony
Watch the Medal of Honor ceremony live webcast, at
President will award the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins for his heroic acts during the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Live Webcast: Hall of Heroes Induction
Watch the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony live webcast, at
The U.S. Army will induct Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. The Pentagon ceremony will add Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins's name to the distinguished roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins
born
Dec. 9, 1975
hometown
Bozeman, Montana
Enlistment date
Nov. 9, 2000
Military Occupation (MOS)
Infantryman (11b)
Unit
2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
Deployments
Operation Iraqi Freedom
IMAGE: Then-Pvt. Travis Atkins graduates from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga., 2001. (Photo courtesy of the Atkins family).
Travis W. Atkins was born on Dec. 9, 1975, in Great Falls, Montana. He moved with his parents, Jack and Elaine, to Bozeman, Montana, in 1981. Growing up, Atkins was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile and camp.
Prior to enlisting, Atkins worked for concrete and painting contractors, and as a small-engine mechanic, but his athletic nature and desire to serve ultimately led him to the U.S. Army.
Atkins enlisted on Nov. 9, 2000, and attended basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and deployed with the 101st to Kuwait in early March 2003. Atkins participated in the invasion of Iraq later that month as an infantry fire team leader.
Atkins was honorably discharged from the Army in December 2003.
Back home, Atkins attended the University of Montana in Missoula and worked as a painting and concrete contractor. Two years later, Atkins once again answered the call to serve.
"He loved the Army, and he loved being with his troops."
Elaine Atkins, mother of Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins
He reenlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2005 and was reassigned to Delta Company in the same battalion and deployed to Iraq again in August 2006.
He was killed in action on June 1, 2007.
Atkins’ Army awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Valorous Unit Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
The Battle
June 1, 2007 | Abu Samak, Iraq
10th Mountain Division
On the morning of June 1, 2007, Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins’ squad was conducting route security in the town of Abu Samak, Iraq, when his team observed two suspected insurgents attempting to cross the route they were securing.
After one of Atkins’ teammates yelled at the two insurgents to stop, they began acting very erratically, acknowledging commands but also appearing as if they might attempt to flee.
Atkins led his vehicle to the suspected insurgents and dismounted with his platoon medic in an attempt to interdict and search them. As he reached them, one of the insurgents began to resist the search and hand-to-hand combat ensued.
Realizing the insurgent had explosives under his clothes, Atkins heroically fought the insurgent, keeping him from reaching the suicide vest he was wearing.
"Travis knew the reality of serving in Iraq. He knew the danger."
- Jack Atkins, father of Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins
As the hand-to-hand battle continued, the insurgent was able to reach the suicide vest under his clothing. At that point, Atkins wrapped the insurgent up and threw him to the ground, away from his Soldiers who were standing a few feet away.
Aware of the imminent danger, Atkins threw himself on top of the suicide bomber, pinning him to the ground and shielding his Soldiers from the imminent explosion while bearing the brunt of the blast as the bomb detonated.
In this critical and selfless act of valor, which mortally wounded him, Atkins saved the lives of three other Soldiers who were with him.
IMAGE: Soldiers kneel to pay their respects to Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, who was killed, June 1, 2007, by a suicide bomber near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, Iraq, at a memorial ceremony held, June 7, 2007 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. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chris McCann).
The Ceremony
"Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins will be etched alongside of the names of America’s bravest warriors and written forever into America’s heart."
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP,
White House Medal of Honor Ceremony, March 27, 2019
RELATED STORIES FROM ARMY.MIL
10th Mountain Division
World War II
Under the command of Maj. Gen. Lloyd E. Jones, the 10th Light Division (Alpine) was constituted on July 10, 1943, and activated on July 15, at Camp Hale, Colorado. After extensive winter and mountain warfare training, the division moved to Camp Swift, Texas, for additional combat training. The 10th Light Division was re-designated the 10th Mountain Division on Nov. 6, 1944, and was deployed to the Italian theater under the command of Maj. Gen. George P. Hays soon thereafter.
By January 1945, the division was executing combat operations in northern Italy. During these operations, the 10th Mountain Division seized German positions on Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere, breaking through the German mountain defenses into the Po River Valley and reaching the northern end of Lake Garda by the war’s end. On April 14, Pfc. John D. Magrath performed the combat actions that would make him the division's first Soldier to earn the Medal of Honor.
During nearly five months of intense ground combat in Italy, the division was opposed by 100,000 German troops, yet effectively destroyed five German divisions, unhinging the defense in Italy and drawing forces away from other theaters. The division sustained nearly 5,000 casualties during World War II, with 999 Soldiers killed in action.
Following the German surrender, the 10th Mountain Division deployed with troops from Yugoslavia to the Italian border near Trieste, in support of Mission UDINE. After redeploying, the division was inactivated on Nov. 30, 1945, at Camp Carson, Colorado.
Post-WWII
To meet the Army's requirements to train large numbers of replacements, the 10th Infantry Division was reactivated as a training division on July 1, 1948, at Fort Riley, Kansas. In January 1954, the Department of the Army announced the 10th Infantry Division would become a combat infantry division with rotations to Europe to deter the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. Stretched in an arc from Frankfurt to Nuremburg, the division occupied a strategic center position in the NATO defense forces until it was replaced in 1958 by the 3rd Infantry Division. The division was inactivated at Fort Benning, Georgia, on June 14, 1958.
Reactivation
The modern 10th Mountain Division was reactivated at Fort Drum, New York, on Feb. 13, 1985, as one of the U.S. Army’s new "light infantry” divisions under the command of Brig. Gen. William S. Carpenter. It was designed to meet a wide range of worldwide missions, adding a new dimension to the strategic mobility of the U.S. Armed Forces. The division's rapid mobility enabled the arrival of troops in a crisis area before conflict began and demonstrated U.S. resolve and capability. The 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) was designed to reassure friends and allies while deterring adversaries.
Operation Desert Shield / Storm
Although the 10th Mountain Division (LI) did not deploy to Southwest Asia as a unit, approximately 1,200 division Soldiers deployed to Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm in support of the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division in Iraq. The largest unit to deploy was the 548th Supply and Services Battalion with approximately 1,000 Soldiers.
Hurricane Andrew relief
After Hurricane Andrew struck south Florida on Aug. 24, 1992, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) assumed responsibility for providing disaster relief as Task Force Mountain. Division Soldiers set up relief camps; distributed food, clothing, medical necessities, and building supplies; and helped to rebuild homes and clear debris.
Operation Restore Hope
Under the command of Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Arnold and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert C. Sexton the division headquarters again deployed on Dec. 3, 1992, and was designated the headquarters for all Army Forces (ARFOR) of the Unified Task Force (UNITAF) for Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. The division's mission was to secure major cities and roads to provide safe passage for relief supplies to the starving Somali population. On Oct. 3, 1993, a 10th Mountain Division (LI) quick reaction force (TF 2-14 Infantry) secured the ground evacuation route for Special Operations Task Force Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu.
Operation Uphold Democracy
Under the command of Maj. Gen. David C. Meade and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse G. Laye, the division made the first assault landing in Haiti as Multinational Force Haiti (MNF Haiti) and Joint Task Force 190 during Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994. When President Jean-Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti on Oct. 15, 1994, his security was provided by the 10th Mountain Division (LI).
Peacekeeping operations
Between 1997 and 2001, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) continued to support peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations around the world, serving with the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Desert to monitor the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. In the fall of 1998, the division received notice that it would serve as senior headquarters of Task Force Eagle under the command of Maj. Gen. James L. Campbell and Command Sgt. Maj. Teddy E. Harman, providing a peacekeeping force to support the ongoing operation within the Multinational Division North areas of responsibility in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Elements of the division were forward deployed in Kosovo in 2001 and 2002 as a part of Operation Joint Guardian, where they performed multiple peacekeeping roles.
War on terrorism - Afghanistan
In 2001, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) provided the first conventional combat forces to deploy in response to the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Division Soldiers secured critical facilities in the U.S. and the Middle East as well as a key forward operating base in Uzbekistan before deploying into Afghanistan as the first conventional force to reinforce special operations units on the ground. During Operation Anaconda in March 2002, elements of the division headquarters, commanded by Maj. Gen. F.L. “Buster” Hagenback and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth C. Lopez, led more than 1,700 U.S. and 1,000 Afghan troops in fighting in the Shahi-Kot Valley. This force included the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division headquarters; 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment; 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment; and the 3rd Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI). U.S. forces estimated 500 fighters were killed during the battle.
Elements from across the division returned to Afghanistan in 2003. The division headquarters, led by Maj. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis M. Carey, assumed command of Coalition Joint Task Force 180, supervising fighting brigades throughout Afghanistan. The division's 1st Brigade joined other coalition forces conducting combat operations to eliminate terrorist elements in the region and to provide security and humanitarian relief efforts to the Afghan people. The 2nd Brigade provided forces as part of Task Force Phoenix to train the Afghan National Army. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed for the first time to Afghanistan, providing aviation support across in the country. During 2003, more than 6,000 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers deployed in support of the war on terrorism.
War on terrorism - Iraq
In July 2004, only six months after returning from Afghanistan, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The brigade secured the contested areas of western Baghdad for the Jan. 31 national elections, preventing enemy attacks from disrupting Iraq’s first democratic election. Following the return of the division headquarters and 1st Brigade from Afghanistan, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) began transforming into a modular division. The division officially transformed into a modular unit during a ceremony on Sept. 13, 2004. As part of the ceremony, seven units were inactivated and 13 activated, including the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. The 4th Brigade Combat Team was activated at Fort Polk, Louisiana, on Jan. 16, 2005.
In August 2005, the 1st Brigade Combat Team deployed to western Baghdad, Iraq. The brigade was responsible for security during the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum and the Dec. 15 national election. The division headquarters, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and two battalion task forces from the 4th Brigade Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. The division headquarters, led by Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley and Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph C. Borja, assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force 76 and supervised operations to defeat enemy extremist movements, establish enduring security, and set conditions for long-term stability in Afghanistan. During 3rd Brigade Combat Team's deployment, Soldiers executed four significant combat operations during 12 months in the Pech Valley, Kunar Province, Helmand Province, and throughout eastern Afghanistan. While serving in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Jared C. Monti became the division's second Soldier to earn the Medal of Honor during combat operations in Nuristan Province on June 21, 2006.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team again deployed to Iraq in August 2006, moving into an area known as the "Triangle of Death," for a 15-month deployment as a part of the surge of troops. In winter 2006, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed again to Afghanistan as the only aviation brigade in the theater, providing support for International Security Assistance Force assets throughout the country. The 10th Sustainment Brigade also deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. As part of Task Force Muleskinner and the Logistics Command, the brigade assumed the vital mission of tracking and coordinating the movement of supplies, equipment, and personnel throughout the region.
The 1st Brigade Combat Team returned to Iraq in 2007, conducting stability and security operations in northern Iraq and training the Sons of Iraq to protect their neighborhoods from insurgent violence. In 2008, the 4th Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq and was involved with coordinating and fighting large-scale operations including Operation Phantom Phoenix. The headquarters of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) deployed to Iraq for the first time in April 2008. Led by Maj. Gen. Michael L. Oates and Command Sgt. Maj. James W. Redmore, the division served as the command element for southern Baghdad until late March 2009, when it displaced to Basrah to coordinate security for Multinational Division South. In the fall of 2008, the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and the 10th Sustainment Brigade also deployed to Iraq. The 10th CAB conducted personnel movements, re-supplies, air assaults, medical evacuations, and security and attack operations in support of Multinational Division North. The 10th Sustainment Brigade orchestrated sustainment support for more than 140,000 Soldiers, Marines, and civilians.
War on terrorism - Afghanistan and Iraq
In January 2009, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team deployed to Logar and Wardak provinces in Afghanistan, guarding the southern approaches to Kabul and bringing much-needed security to both provinces. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team completed another tour in Iraq from 2009 to 2010, during the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn. The 1st Brigade Combat Team deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as a part of the surge, becoming the first U.S. Army brigade combat team to operate in northern Afghanistan. Both the division headquarters and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade again deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. The division headquarters, led by Maj. Gen. James L. Terry and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher K. Greca, assumed responsibility for Regional Command South from October 2010 to October 2011, while the 4th Brigade Combat Team conducted combat operations in Wardak and Logar provinces and the 10th CAB supported all of Regional Command East.
In the spring of 2011, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team deployed back to Regional Command South to quell the rising tension in the Zhari and Maiwand districts of Kandahar Province. The brigade faced some of the most deeply rooted enemy forces that 10th Mountain Soldiers had seen in more than seven years. Through multiple combat operations south of Highway 1, the brigade successfully attacked through the “green zone” to the Arghandab River, forcing a wedge between insurgents and the Afghan population, which increased security and stability for the Kandahar region. As the brigade combat teams began to redeploy, the 10th Sustainment Brigade assumed forward operations from October 2011 to October 2012. This would be the last of the major brigades that would deploy under a 12-month cycle, as the Army transitioned to a nine-month deployment cycle.
Army Modernization
In the fall of 2012, the Army designated two of the 10th Mountain Division’s brigade combat teams to transition to a new form of combat operations. Brigade combat teams were task-organized to provide a smaller, combat adviser-focused element known as the Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB). The initial train-up concluded with the deployment of the 1st SFAB, 10th Mountain Division, and 2nd SFAB, 10th Mountain Division, to Regional Command-East in January 2013 as the U.S. Army’s first SFAB units. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th SFAB, and 3th SFAB also deployed to Regional Command-East in 2013.
Hurricane Sandy relief
In November 2012, in response to Hurricane Sandy, 10th Mountain Division (LI) Soldiers deployed to New York City and New Jersey, where they worked around the clock to support refueling operations throughout the impacted areas. Soldiers from 710th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team; 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team; and 10th Combat Aviation Brigade worked with New York City and New Jersey organizations, as well as National Guard units, to support relief efforts.
War on terrorism continues
In January 2014, the division headquarters and 10th Sustainment Brigade deployed once again to Afghanistan. On Feb. 6, 2014, the division headquarters, led by Maj. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney R. Lewis, assumed command of Regional Command-East with the mission of advising and assisting the Afghanistan National Security Force (ANSF). The 10th Mountain Division (LI) brought 13 years of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to a close and transitioned to Operation Resolute Support (RS) as its fifth deployment to Afghanistan ended in November 2014.
In February 2015, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Resolute Support Mission in the war in Afghanistan and returned to Fort Drum in March 2016. Between late summer and early fall 2015, 300 troops from 10th Mountain's headquarters deployed to Afghanistan under the command of Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Albertson in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, along with about 1,000 troops from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. In February 2016, the Taliban began a new assault on Sangin, Helmand Province. The U.S. responded by deploying the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division to Helmand Province in order to support the Afghan Army's 215th Corps in the province, particularly around Sangin, joining U.S. and British special operations forces already in the area.
In October 2015, “Six Shooters” from 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, became the fourth air cavalry squadron to deploy to South Korea on a nine-month rotational mission.
In April 2016, the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, deployed to Iraq as Task Force Dragon, where it had personnel deployed across the entire U.S. Central Command area of operations: Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Jordan. Task Force Dragon was the only aviation headquarters supporting the Combined Joint Forces Land Component in Iraq, and it operated across the entire country. In October 2016, Task Force Dragon AH-64Ds fired the first shots of the Mosul offensive and provided devastating and accurate fires in support of the Iraqi Army's assault and seizure of Mosul. In December 2016, Task Force Dragon returned to Fort Drum.
In August 2016, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) was called to support Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. During the nine months the brigade spent in Iraq, the country witnessed its most pivotal campaigns in the fight to regain control of the cities of Ramadi, Fallujah, and Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The Warriors provided security force assistance teams to the Iraqi Army and Kurdish government in Erbil. Additionally, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment provided interagency security cooperation to the Department of State in Baghdad.
The 10th Mountain Division (LI) continues its mission to provide trained and combat-ready forces for rapid global deployment in order to prevent, shape, or win in ground combat. The 10th Mountain Division (LI) is the trained and combat ready force of choice for rapid deployment.
Climb to Glory!
Official Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has posthumously awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins
United States Army
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.
President's Remarks
2:10 P.M. EST, October 15, 2013
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. Last month, the United States Army released a remarkable piece of video. It's from the combat helmet cameras of a MedEvac helicopter crew in Afghanistan. It's shaky and grainy, but it takes us to the frontlines that our troops face every day. And in that video, as the helicopter touches down by a remote village, you see, out of a cloud of dust, an American Soldier.
He's without his helmet, standing in the open, exposing himself to enemy fire, standing watch over a severely wounded Soldier. He helps carry that wounded Soldier to the helicopter, and places him inside. Then, amidst the whipping wind and deafening roar of the blades, he does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses the wounded Soldier on the head -- a simple act of compassion and loyalty to a brother in arms. And as the door closes and the helicopter takes off, he turns and goes back the way he came, back into the heat of battle.
In our nation's history, we have presented our highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, nearly 3,500 times for actions above and beyond the call of duty. But this may be the first time that we can actually bear witness to a small part of those actions for ourselves. And today we honor the American in that video -- the Soldier who went back in -- Captain William Swenson.
Not far away that day was then Corporal Dakota Meyer, to whom we presented the Medal of Honor two years ago. Today is only the second time in nearly half a century that the Medal of Honor has been awarded to two survivors of the same battle. Dakota is not here today, but I want to welcome some of the Soldiers and Marines who fought alongside both of these men, and the families of those who gave their lives that day.
Moments like this, Americans like Will, remind us what our country can be at its best -- a nation of citizens who look out for one another; who meet our obligations to one another, not just when it's easy, but when it's hard; especially when it's hard. Will, you're an example -- to everyone in this city, to our whole country -- of the professionalism and patriotism we should strive for -- whether we wear the uniform or not. Not just on particular occasions, but all the time.
For those who aren't familiar with the story of the battle that lead to Will being here today, I want to take you back to that September morning four years ago. It's around sunrise. A column of Afghan soldiers and their American advisors are winding their way up a narrow trail towards a village to meet with elders. But just as the first soldier reaches the outskirts of the village, all hell breaks loose.
Almost instantly, four Americans, three Marines, and a Navy corpsman at the front of the column are surrounded. Will and the Soldiers in the center of the column are pinned down. Rocket-propelled grenade, mortar, and machine gun fire, all of this is pouring in from three sides.
As he returns fire, Will calls for air support. But his initial requests are denied -- Will and his team are too close to the village. Then Will learns that his non-commissioned officer, Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, has been shot in the neck. So Will breaks across 50 meters of open space, bullets biting all around. Lying on his back, he presses a bandage to Kenneth's wound with one hand and calls for a MedEvac with the other, trying to keep his buddy calm.
By this time, the enemy has gotten even closer -- just 20 or 30 meters away. Over the radio, they're demanding the Americans surrender. Will stops treating Kenneth long enough to respond -- by lobbing a grenade.
Finally, after more than an hour and a half of fighting, air support arrives. Will directs them to nearby targets. Then it's time to move. Exposing himself again to enemy fire, Will helps carry Kenneth the length of more than two football fields, down steep terraces, to that helicopter. And then, in the moment captured by those cameras, Will leans in to say goodbye.
But more Americans -- and more Afghans -- are still out there. So Will does something incredible. He jumps behind the wheel of an unarmored Ford Ranger pickup truck. A Marine gets in the passenger seat. And they drive that truck -- a vehicle designed for the highway -- straight into the battle.
Twice, they pick up injured Afghan soldiers -- bullets whizzing past them, slamming into the pickup truck. Twice they bring them back. When the truck gives out, they grab a Humvee. The Marine by Will's side has no idea how they survived. But, he says, "by that time it didn't matter. We [were] not leaving any Soldiers behind."
Finally, a helicopter spots those four missing Americans -- hours after they were trapped in the opening ambush. So Will gets in another Humvee, with a crew that includes Dakota Meyer. And together, they drive. Past enemy fighters. Up through the valley. Exposed once more.
When they reach the village, Will jumps out -- drawing even more fire, dodging even more bullets. But they reach those Americans, lying where they fell. Will and the others carry them out, one-by-one. They bring their fallen brothers home.
Scripture tells us, "The greatest among you shall be your servant." Captain Will Swenson was a leader on that September morning. But like all good leaders, he was also a servant -- to the men he commanded, to the more than a dozen Afghans and Americans whose lives he saved, to the families of those who gave their last full measure of devotion on that far away field. As one of his fellow Soldiers later said, "Will did things that nobody else would ever do, and he did it for his guys, and for everybody on the ground, to get them out."
That's why after I called Will to tell him he'd be receiving this medal, one of the first things he did was to invite to this ceremony, those who fought alongside him. I'd like all of those who served with such valor, alongside Will -- both Army and Marines -- who fought for each other, please stand and be recognized.
Thank you. Will also reached out to the families of the four Americans who gave their lives that day. To them he wrote, and I'm quoting Will now, "We have never met. We have never spoken, but I would like to believe I know something about each of you through the actions of your loved ones that day. They were part of a team, and you are now part of that team."
So, I would ask the members of this team, the families of First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, and Hospitalman Third Class James Layton, as well as the family of Kenneth Westbrook, to please stand.
Kenneth was the Soldier Will delivered to the safety of that helicopter. After being airlifted out, he made it to Walter Reed. He started rehab, and spent time with his wife Charlene, who joins us her today. She still remembers the first time she spoke to Will, when he called from Afghanistan, to check in on Kenneth. Soon after that phone call, however, Kenneth took a turn for the worst. He succumbed to complications from his treatment. I think it's safe to say that Charlene will always be grateful for the final days she was able to spend with her husband. Even now, a month rarely goes by when Will doesn't call or text, checking in with Charlene and her three boys. "That's the kind of man he is," Charlene says about Will. "You don't have to ask Will for help. He just knows when to be there for you."
So, Will Swenson was there for his brothers. He was there for their families. As a nation, we thank God that patriots like him are there for us all. So, Will, God bless you and all the men you've fought alongside, and for everything you've done for us. God bless all of our men and women in uniform. God bless the United States of America.
With that, I'd like my military to read the citation please.
[the citation is read and the medla is presented]
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Let me say once again, not only to Will, but to all our men and women in uniform, who have served us with such incredible courage and professionalism, that America is grateful for you. To the families of those we've lost, we will never forget.
Will, you are a remarkable role model for all of us, and we're very grateful for your service.
We are going to have a reception after this. I hear the food is pretty good around here. I hope all of you have a chance to stay, and for those of you who have a chance to thank Will personally, this is very welcome. I'm going to be exiting with Will and Michelle, first. We'll take a couple of pictures. Enjoy yourselves this afternoon.
God bless America.
END 2:30 P.M. EST
Hall of Heroes Induction
CEREMONY REMARKS | October 16, 2013
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
Secretary Hagel: Good afternoon. Secretary McHugh, General Odierno, Sergeant Major Chandler, Chairman Dempsey, ladies and gentlemen, the men and women who serve our country today in uniform, the civilian employees who support our men and women in uniform, and in particular our special guests here this afternoon, who have been recognized, and our most honored guest, Captain Swenson and his family.
I have a quite elegant speech, of course. But I will dispense with these eloquent words. And I'm going to make a couple of comments I hope that will add to the true eloquence of the chiefs and secretary's comments. I could not improve on, or I don't mean to duplicate what they said, what President Obama said yesterday, what everyone in this room knows about this very special individual.
Let me add my thoughts this way. Many important words have been said about Will Swenson, appropriately so, over the last few days. One particular point that President Obama made yesterday was that at a time in our country when we need more unifying dimensions and dynamics to remind us who we are, yes, as a great nation, but, even more importantly, as a good people. The Will Swenson story does that. It does remind us who we are -- sacrifice, service, going beyond your own personal ambitions, your own personal interests, and serving the interests of others first.
I don't know a more complete picture that could be presented or example noted of that selflessness than the story of Will Swenson and those who have gone before, and every man and women in the history of this great republic who have given so much of themselves, and the people in this room and all over the world who continue to do that.
Will, you mean an awful lot to a lot of people, but your biggest contribution probably will come later. And that is the role model that you have already projected, not just for men and women in uniform, but the next generations behind you. We all recognize as parents, as individuals who have any responsibility for positions in life, that that is our biggest, most significant responsibility, to improve upon the inheritance that we were each given, the blessings and the good things. We know about bad things.
But that's not our role. Our role is to improve, make it better, inspire, uplift our people, our families, our country and the world. And as President Obama noted yesterday, the Will Swenson story is a great reminder of those responsibilities and how we can do it with dignity, with eloquence, with never asking anything in return.
I want to also note something that was said here today, mentioned by the chief, mentioned by the secretary. Yes, Will Swenson proved his valor on the battlefield. It is well documented. It should be well documented. But he also did something else that represented tremendous courage and integrity. And I've always thought the two indispensable elements of anyone's life are courage and character. And if we're without those in some measure, it's a pretty hallow existence.
He questioned -- he dared to question the institution that he was faithful to and loyal to. Mistakes were made, in his case. Now, that's courage and that's integrity and that's character. As the institution itself reflected on that same courage and integrity institutionally, the institution, the United States Army, corrected the mistake. They went back and acknowledged a mistake was made and they fixed it.
Another great dimension of our republic, of our people, we have an inherent capability to self-correct. Free people have that capability if they have the will and the courage to self-correct. And we all do in our own personal lives. Institutions don't always. Eventually they will be forced to. In this case, the United States Army was not forced to. It did self-correct. It was a wrong. They corrected it. They fixed it.
We're sorry that you and your family had to endure through that, but you did and you handled it right. And I think that deserves a tremendous amount of attention and credit. We celebrate you today, Will. We celebrate your family. We celebrate your very brave colleagues who have been recognized, those who didn't make it back, their families today. But we celebrate all the good things about our country today because of you. And we're grateful.
May God bless you and your family, Will. Thank you. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of Defense's prepared remarks as taken directly from: http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1811
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh
Secretary McHugh: Good Afternoon. You know, as I was sitting listening to the Chief (of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno), I looked at this stage as all of you are, and, like many of you, I've had the honor of attending literally dozens of events here; but never so much as in this kind of occasion does this place look so special and so beautiful. And fittingly so.
And speaking of beautiful, you all look good. Chief (Odierno) as he always does, did a great job of introducing individuals by name, so I'm not going to recount all of those; just know that you are all very, very welcome, and we all deeply appreciate your attendance, whether you are a part of the civilian or Army uniformed family or a member of the Department of Defense family, we are deeply appreciative.
I do want to give a couple special welcomes to our distinguished members of my former haunt for 17 years, the House of Representatives, Welcome. So, how are you doing? How are we doing? We'll talk later. You are truly welcome and thank you for during a very busy time for coming here and sharing this special moment.
Mr. Secretary, Secretary Hagel, as always, we deeply appreciate your personal attention to these kinds of occasions, the deep concern you bring for the men and women in uniform and their families. Your presence here today is making this an even more special occasion.
But we would not have an event, to state the obvious, without Captain Will Swenson, without the love and support of his parents, Carl and Julia, the continued love and special relationship with Kelsey Long, all of the distinguished guests that he and others have brought with them, you make this moment what it is.
By way of confession, I have to tell you whenever I share a dais with the Secretary of Defense, I get a little bit more self-conscious about my remarks. I want to be honest with you, as well. I'm even more on edge this afternoon, and frankly, Mr. Secretary, it doesn't have much to do with you. It's Will's mom's presence that has me a little nervous. Now, if you had occasion to read or see President Obama's remarks yesterday at the White House during that very touching ceremony, he observed that both the Captain's parents are retired Seattle University professors. Carl was a math professor; that one field of study more than any other that drove me into political science. But more frightening, Julia's field was English. And as the President noted, she made sure that even at a young age, Will not only dotted his i's and crossed his t's, but he practiced perfect grammar at all times. So, Julia, ma'am, I have done my best today and will continue to ensure correct usage and correct syntax. Or, as we say back home where I'm from, I hope I got good English.
Most importantly, truly, thank you both very much for being here; you have much to be proud of -- or, I guess I should say much of which to be proud. To state the obvious, this is a tremendous honor, for the Army and, if I may, for me, personally, as we gather to induct Captain William David Swenson into our Hall of Heroes -- the first officer in the United States Army to receive the Medal of Honor for any conflict since the Vietnam War. And that makes this special occasion even more special. This is also, as Will himself has said, a time of mixed emotions, a time when we pay tribute to uncommon valor, but at the same time, we mourn and we remember the horrible loss of comrades and friends.
The Battle of Ganjgal was ferocious. And it was tragic. And we lost so many good lives that day. But following the violence, and the death, came inspiration. And we were inspired by those who fought there, by those who would not accept defeat -- and, as the Chief noted, we are indeed, honored to have many of those warriors who fought by Will's side that day -- his battle buddies -- joining us -- both Army and Marines -- and I deeply appreciate the rightful recognition you gave them. But I would say to you: If you question what this concept of "jointness" is about, if you really doubt it's being applied -- look at this battle; look at those uniforms. I don't think you'll question it anymore.
Gentlemen: God love you. God Bless you for your service, and for all that you not just did that day, but every day that you serve in uniform. I will also say that from that single fierce battle -- two Medals of Honor, two Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, Nine Bronze Stars with V(alor) device -- that is an amazing measure of honor. And even by that incredible standard, Will Swenson is truly a hero amongst heroes. And today, because of this event, he will have his name will enshrined along with those who have gone before, forever a part of our Nation's and our Army's history. And his name will be displayed alongside such others as Alvin York and Audie Murphy and Les Sabo.
The reason I single out Les Sabo, even though his name, certainly outside this room, may not be as recognizable as others, is that his story, and Will's, offer a common and an important lesson for our Army. About a year and a half ago, I stood in this very room, close to this very spot as we inducted Specialist Sabo into our Hall of Heroes. And that followed a ceremony in which Les' family received the Medal of Honor at the White House just the day before. In 1970, Les Sabo sacrificed his life in a far away field in Cambodia, and he did so to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers.
For more than 40 years, his story was all but lost to anyone outside of his family. And as you may recall, that was the case until a writer happened to stumble upon his records in the National Archives. And that writer began to push anew for the Medal of Honor that should have been awarded decades earlier.
And today, we similarly pause to bestow an overdue honor, once more.
Now, I couldn't do much for Les Sabo at the time; perhaps there is something, Will, I hope I can do for you, and, as I know you feel even more importantly, for those who may follow in your footsteps. This morning I issued a directive requiring that all Medal of Honor nominations be sent immediately to the awards and decorations branch of the Army Human Resources Command (HRC). As soon as an honors packet is created at battalion level, we will have immediate visibility at Army headquarters. Each subsequent command's review will also be required to be immediately forwarded to HRC; and in return, HRC will follow up with the original command every 30 days until that award packet reaches its final review. A parallel process that will provide greater oversight; a way by which we can ensure that no future award packet is lost along the way, or paperwork misplaced or somehow forgotten in the fog of war.
Our heroes have always taught us many things, and that's true here, today. Sometimes our heroes teach us how to make ourselves better. And Will, for that as well, I -- we all -- want to thank you. But Will has taught us a lot more than how to make our processes better. He's also taught us about things like valor and courage and teamwork and sacrifice. And there's more. To prepare for today, I watched some of the videos that we coerced Will into doing, and he did incredibly well. And for all of the impressive things that I heard from him, I was particularly struck by something he said in relation to that day.
As the Chief (of Staff of the Army) noted, on that day, we lost three Marines, First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Staff Sergant Aaron Kenefick; we lost a Navy Corpsman, James Layton; and, about a month later, Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook -- the Soldier whose forehead Will gently kissed as he lifted him onboard a MedEvac helicopter.
I know that their families have already been recognized, but I would ask, respectfully, that we pause once more to remember their sacrifice, and to again thank each of them for being here today. Join with me (Applause). And I would say, from the bottom of my heart, no matter what uniform your loved one wore, from this day forward, you are all a beloved part of our Army family. God bless you, and thank you.
We also lost nine Afghans, men whose names Americans will likely never know, at least not in large numbers. And in the interview I mentioned, Will spoke about them, their sacrifice, and their struggling nation. And Will observed, and I'm going to quote here, "the Afghan people in Kunar Province got to see their government, their leaders, their Soldiers, their brothers, out there trying to do the right thing, trying to find the Afghan solution to their problems," he concluded, "they saw the Afghans … fight."
In telling the story of those Afghans, those warriors who fought alongside them that day, in witness to their courage and conviction, Will may have taught us the most important lesson of all. He taught us all: There's hope. Hope comes in many forms, comes in many faces and many voices. Where a baby's cry is heard, there is hope that the world will go on. Where a teacher, someone who has devoted an entire lifetime not to power, not to glory, not to money, but for the conveyance of knowledge, when that teacher speaks in understanding tones to a struggling student, there is hope for a better future. And when a prayer of remembrance is said over the casket of a fallen hero, what that Soldier died for -- freedom and liberty and the right to breathe free -- that sacrifice gives us hope that all the people of the world, wherever they may live, may one day realize what is universally proclaimed as the American dream.
Since 1775, the Army -- the United States Army, along with the comrades-in-arms we have, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, band together as a band of warriors -- have continuously brought hope, have continuously brought that dream to the oppressed. Wherever those forces are stationed, they have always brought hope.
Will, you and your comrades that day were many things, but you were true messengers of hope -- hope to the Afghan people. And a renewed hope to every American who like all of us has lived in the cloak of freedom and liberty that the courage and skill and conviction of the American Soldier has provided for more than 238 years, that that freedom will endure into the future, as well.
Will, that is a high honor and, in its own way, a heavy burden. And through your service, your courage, your leadership and sacrifice, you have given me -- you've given us all -- hope. So, Captain Swenson, congratulations, to you, to your family on this very special tribute, and thank you, too, on behalf of our Army, our Nation, for your service and your valor.
God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and this glorious Army that keeps her free. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of the Army's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113249/
Army Chief of Staff
General Raymond T. Odierno
General Odierno: Good afternoon everybody. It's good to see so many people here. It's really a privilege to see such a great turnout to honor Captain William Swenson, who today joins a rare fraternity of military service members who have displayed extraordinary acts of valor during exceptional circumstances, with great risk to their own personal safety.
Captain Swenson embodies the essence of a Soldier and represents what every man and woman who dons this uniform strives to be: an individual who has earned the trust of all with whom they associate; one who possesses a humility and selflessness that we all respect; one who embraces esprit de corps and routinely demonstrates a dedication to his profession that epitomizes the ethos of the American Soldier. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He always put his mission first. He never accepted defeat. And above all else, he never left his fallen comrades. Just as he was there for them that day, his friends, his band of brothers are here for him today.
On September 8th, 2009, five service members made the ultimate sacrifice, and their presence is felt in the hearts of everyone here. We remember 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Hospitalman 3rd Class James Layton, U.S. Navy; and Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, United States Army. We are honored to have their Gold Star family members here with us today, so I would ask them to please stand and be recognized.
I'd like to recognize our distinguished guests: Secretary Hagel, the Secretary of Defense -- sir, thank you for being here; Representatives Jeff Denham from California and Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii -- thank you so much for both being here; Secretary McHugh, the Secretary of the Army and Acting Secretary Fanning, the Acting Secretary of the Air Force -- thank you for being here; General Marty Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs -- sir, thank you for being here; Generals Mark Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; General Gordon Sullivan, the head of AUSA and the 32nd Chief of Staff of the Army; General John Campbell, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; and Sergeant Major of the Army Ray Chandler, my battle buddy -- thank you for being here; and other distinguished guests from our Department of Defense and Army leadership that are joining us today, and Marine Corps and all our other service members.
I'd like to extend a special welcome to Captain Swenson's family and friends: his father, Carl, and his mother, Julia; and Ms. Kelsey Long. I also like to recognize several members of the Marine Corps and Army who were on the ground with Will that fateful day in Ganjgal. Thank you so much for your service to our nation, your sacrifices and dedication. Your presence today reinforces the personal nature of combat and the strong bonds formed under extraordinary conditions. I'd like you all to stand as well to be recognized.
It was on September the 8th, 2009, that Army Captain Will Swenson and Sergeant First Class Westbrook were part of a combined patrol with Afghan National Border Police and an Afghan National Army unit and their 12 Marine Corps advisers and Navy medic. Together, the group set off for the village of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, to meet with village elders and discuss the creation of a local security force.
Just after dawn, as they approached the outskirts of the village on foot, they were ensnarled in a vicious ambush. Over 60 well-armed insurgents began firing heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and small arms from entrenched positions in the village and the surrounding mountains. Captain Swenson and the patrol were pinned down behind low stone walls while a lead team was trapped in a courtyard. Sniper rounds and explosions impacted closer and closer while the insurgents taunted the patrol over the radio, demanding their surrender. As the enemy began to envelop the patrol, the reality set in that the men were surrounded, out manned and outgunned.
Captain Swenson began radioing for artillery and aviation support, but the brigade's Aerial Scout Weapons Team was already supporting other troops in contact to the north. Dangerously exposed, he repeatedly called for smoke to conceal their withdrawal. The men continued to hold their ground, and at one point, the enemy got so close that Will threw a hand grenade to keep them at bay. As the patrol bounded back, continuous enemy fire wounded many of the men, including the ranking officer, Major Williams, and Captain Swenson's teammate, Sergeant First Class Westbrook.
In the fury of the attack, Will took charge. With one hand, he treated Sergeant First Class Westbrook, and with the other he held a radio hand-mic, identifying enemy targets to a Scout Weapons Team that had just arrived on station. Receiving word of a MedEvac helicopter inbound, Captain Swenson exposed himself to enemy fire and marked the landing zone by holding a signal panel on top of him. As the helicopter landed, Will loaded Sergeant First Class Westbrook inside and returned to the battle.
As the majority of the patrol withdrew from the valley, Captain Swenson returned to the kill zone in an unarmed truck to evacuate the dead and wounded Afghan soldiers and police. Next, he organized a recovery party for the lead team of three Marines and Navy corpsman that were still trapped in the initial ambush location. Then he drove back into the ambush zone, stopping to treat wounded Afghans and mark their locations for extraction.
While aerial platforms searched for the missing service members, Captain Swenson waited in the open, continuing to take fire from the enemy. The enemy contact was so intense that a Combat Search and Rescue helicopter sent to assist was unable to land. After an hour, the helicopter located the missing men and confirmed that they had been killed in action. Once again, Will exposed himself to continuous enemy machine gun fire to recover his fallen comrades and return them to base.
Captain Swenson symbolizes what is best about our Soldiers and our Army. Taking charge on the battlefield early that morning, Will led a team of brothers-in-arms against great odds, and rallied them in their efforts to save each other. In the end, the battle lasted nearly six hours, and Will had returned to the kill zone four times to treat and evacuate wounded service members and coalition partners.
On September 8th, 2009, Captain Swenson demonstrated incredible competence: technical and tactical proficiency, leading a joint and combined team under fire, taking an extreme situation and performing to the best of his ability. He demonstrated commitment to every fellow service member, to our multinational partners, and he brought honor upon our nation. He demonstrated great character: he understood the inherent trust that must exist between service members. In combat, the uniform you wear is inconsequential. What matters are the men and women you live, sleep, eat, and fight with -- and that unspoken commitment that you have to each other. Captain Will Swenson's strength of character is undeniable. Even after the battle, Will was not afraid to point out deficiencies in the operation that caused difficulties in obtaining the appropriate and timely support. He recognized the value of assessing performance and he had the character to stick to his convictions. That's how we grow as Soldiers; that's how we grow as an Army; that's how we grow as a joint force.
By honoring Captain Swenson's actions today, we honor the heroes who have sacrificed for this nation, along with every service member who has raised their right hand to defend this country and our ideals.
Throughout our history and over the course of the last twelve years of war, I have seen first-hand how U.S. Army Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have served with the competence, character, and commitment that our great nation deserves. Captain Swenson is the epitome of these qualities and much, much more, having demonstrated his leadership in the ultimate crucible of combat. The strength of our nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our families, and this is what makes us Army Strong. Thank you very much.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Army Chief of Staff's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113243/
President Donald J. Trump posthumously awards the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins at the White House in Washington D.C., March 27, 2019. Atkins’ son, Trevor Oliver, speaks to those in attendance at the ceremony. Atkins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Abu Sarnak, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on June 1, 2007. His extraordinary heroism in attempting to subdue a suicide bomber and shielding three Soldiers from the imminent explosion resulted in him being mortally wounded and saving the Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James Harvey).
President Donald J. Trump posthumously awards the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins at the White House in Washington D.C., March 27, 2019. Atkins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Abu Sarnak, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on June 1, 2007. His extraordinary heroism in attempting to subdue a suicide bomber and shielding three Soldiers from the imminent explosion resulted in him being mortally wounded and saving the Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James Harvey)
President Donald J. Trump posthumously awards the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins at the White House in Washington D.C., March 27, 2019. Atkins was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in Abu Sarnak, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, on June 1, 2007. His extraordinary heroism in attempting to subdue a suicide bomber and shielding three Soldiers from the imminent explosion resulted in him being mortally wounded and saving the Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. James Harvey).
Mr. David L. Norquist, performing the duties of the U.S. deputy secretary of defense, posthumously inducts U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes during a ceremony with the Atkins' family at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., March 28, 2019. The induction will add Atkins' name to the in the Hall of Heroes, the Department of Defense's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor. (DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith).
Mr. David L. Norquist, performing the duties of the U.S. deputy secretary of defense, presents the Medal of Honor Flag to U.S. Army Sgt. Travis Atkins’ son, Trevor Oliver during a ceremony with Atkins' family at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., March 28, 2019. The induction will add Atkins' name to the in the Hall of Heroes, the Department of Defense's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor. (DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith).
U.S. Army Sgt. Travis Atkins’ son, Trevor Oliver and father Jake Atkins, speak during Atkins’ posthumous induction into the Hall of Heroes in a ceremony hosted by Mr. David L. Norquist, performing the duties of the U.S. deputy secretary of defense, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 28, 2019. (DoD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith).