Medal of Honor: Travis W. Atkins – War on Terror – June 1, 2007
In a dusty Iraqi intersection, Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins saw an insurgent reach beneath his clothing. Knowing what was coming, he threw himself onto the enemy and absorbed the blast to save his fellow soldiers.
July 14, 2026
Name: Travis William Atkins
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Iraq War (Operation Iraqi Freedom)
Unit: 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
Date of Action: June 1, 2007
Location: Abu Samak, Iraq
Summary of Action
On June 1, 2007, Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins was manning a static observation post near the town of Abu Samak, Iraq, when he received reports of four suspicious individuals moving through a nearby intersection.
Immediately responding, Atkins led his squad to intercept the suspects.
As the soldiers approached, one of the individuals began behaving erratically, raising Atkins' suspicions. Determined to protect his men and investigate the situation, he dismounted his patrol vehicle and approached the individual to conduct a search.
The suspect and his companion became belligerent and refused to cooperate. Staff Sergeant Atkins quickly engaged the man in hand-to-hand combat in an effort to restrain him.
Attempting to force the insurgent's arms behind his back, Atkins suddenly noticed the man reaching beneath his clothing.
In that instant, he realized the terrible truth—the insurgent was wearing a suicide bomb.
There was no time to warn his men or seek cover.
Without hesitation and fully understanding the consequences of his actions, Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately wrapped the insurgent in a bear hug and violently threw him to the ground, away from the other soldiers.
Rather than releasing his grip or attempting to save himself, Atkins deliberately placed his own body over the insurgent, shielding his fellow soldiers from the impending blast.
Seconds later, the insurgent detonated the explosive device strapped to his body.
Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins was killed instantly.
His selfless actions saved the lives of the three soldiers standing only feet away from the explosion.
Unlike many battlefield acts of heroism that unfold over hours or days, Atkins' Medal of Honor action lasted only moments. Yet within those moments, he made one of the greatest sacrifices a soldier can make—knowingly giving his own life so that others might live.
His extraordinary courage serves as a timeless reminder that heroism is often found not in the length of a battle, but in the character revealed during life's most critical seconds.
Medal of Honor Citation
TRAVIS W. ATKINS
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, United States Army.
Unit: 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.
Place and date: Abu Samak, Iraq, June 1, 2007.
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 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.