President Trump on Wednesday awarded a posthumous Congressional Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins, who heroically sacrificed his life and saved the lives of three fellow soldiers while fighting in Iraq in 2007.
Atkins’ son, 22-year-old Trevor Oliver Atkins, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
“Your father’s courage and sacrifice will live for all time,” Trump said. “Every time we see our stars and stripes waving in the sky, we will thank our great Travis and we will think of every American hero who gave their last breath to defend our liberty and our homeland and our people and our great American flag.”
Atkins, who grew up in Bozeman, Mont., was killed June 1, 2007 when he tackled an Iraqi insurgent who was trying to detonate a suicide vest. Atkins used his body to shield other soldiers from the explosion, saving the lives of three teammates and sacrificing his own life in the process. He died at age 31.
“In his final moments on Earth, Travis did not run,” Trump said. “He didn’t know what it was to run. He did not hesitate. He rose to the highest calling. He laid down his life to save the lives of his fellow warriors.”
Atkins enlisted in the Army in November 2000. According to Trump, he “quickly excelled in the army.” He served his first deployment in Iraq in 2003. Atkins then attended the University of Montana, re-enlisted in the Army in 2005, and was deployed for a second time in 2006. On May 1, 2007, Atkins was promoted to staff sergeant.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military decoration. It is presented by the president to members of the armed forces who display conspicuous gallantry and risk their lives “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Atkins’ parents, Jack Atkins and Elaine Atkins, and his sister, Jennifer Atkins, also attended the ceremony in the East Room of the White House.
Trevor Oliver Atkins thanked his father’s fellow soldiers, many of whom were also present.
“It’s an absolute honor to have every one of you here,” he said. “It’s something that I can’t really put into words, something that is surreal. I haven’t fully accepted it yet. Just all-over appreciation for his men. Everything you said to me the last few days meant the world to me and changes my life every day.”
Wednesday’s award was the eighth Medal of Honor that Trump has presented during his presidency.
We are here today to award America’s highest military honor to a fallen hero who made the supreme sacrifice for our nation – Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins…https://t.co/q3J8BhRnhA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2019
