Daniel Atkins

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.

For the computing pioneer and professor of community informatics, see Daniel E. Atkins III.
Daniel Atkins
U.S. Navy poster featuring Daniel Atkins.
Born(1866-11-18)November 18, 1866
Brunswick County, Virginia
DiedMay 11, 1923(1923-05-11) (aged 56)
Portsmouth, Virginia
Place of burial
Captain Ted Conaway Memorial Naval Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankChief Commissary Steward
UnitUSS Cushing (TB-1)
AwardsMedal of Honor

Biography

Atkins was born on November 18, 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 February 11, 1898, he and Gunner's Mate Third Class John Everetts attempted to save the drowning officer Ensign Joseph Breckinridge, who had fallen overboard. For their conduct on this occasion, both Atkins and Everetts were awarded the Medal of Honor. Atkins later obtained the rank of Chief Commissary Steward.

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

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, May 20, 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.

See also

References
  • Naval Historical Center (2006-04-27). "US People - Atkins, Daniel". Online Library. Archived from the original on 2006-08-14. Retrieved 2006-08-03.
  • "Daniel Atkins". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
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