Ship's Cook First Class Daniel Atkins was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on February 11, 1898 aboard U.S.S. Cushing at sea — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Cushing. Atkins was 31 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. He later rose to the rank of Chief Commissary Steward.
Atkins was born on November 18, 1866 in Brunswick, Brunswick County, Virginia. His Medal of Honor is credited to Virginia. Atkins died on May 11, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia, at the age of 56. He is buried at U.S. Navy Hospital Cemetery in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Official Medal of Honor 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
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Timeline
- November 18, 1866Born in Brunswick, Brunswick County, Virginia
- February 11, 1898Act of valor — U.S.S. Cushing at seaAge 31. U.S.S. Cushing
- May 11, 1923Died in Portsmouth, VirginiaAge 56.
- Resting placeU.S. Navy Hospital CemeteryPortsmouth, Virginia
Biography
Daniel Atkins (November 18, 1866 – May 11, 1923) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
From the Wikipedia article “Daniel Atkins”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →