Daniel Atkins

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Daniel Atkins
November 18, 1866(1866-11-18) – May 11, 1923 (aged 56)
U.S. Navy poster featuring Daniel Atkins
U.S. Navy poster featuring Daniel Atkins.
Place of birth Brunswick, Virginia
Place of death Portsmouth, Virginia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Chief Commissary Steward
Unit USS Cushing (TB-1)
Awards Medal of Honor

Daniel Atkins (18 November 1866 - 11 May 1923) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Atkins was born on 18 November 1866 in Brunswick, Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the same state. While serving as Ship's Cook First Class on the USS Cushing, at sea on 11 February 1898, Atkins attempted to save the drowning officer Ensign Joseph C. Breckinridge, who had fallen overboard. For his gallant conduct on this occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He later obtained the rank of Chief Commissary Steward.

Daniel Atkins died on 11 May 1923 at Portsmouth, Virginia, and was buried in Captain Ted Conaway Memorial Naval Cemetery in the same city.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Ship's Cook, First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 1867, Brunswick, Va. Accredited to: Virginia. G.O. No.: 489, 20 May 1898.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Cushing, 11 February 1898. Showing gallant conduct, Atkins attempted to save the life of the late Ens. Joseph C. Breckenridge, U.S. Navy, who fell overboard at sea from that vessel on this date.

[edit] See also

United States Navy Portal

[edit] References