Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins
 

In 2007 SSG Atkins' troops rolled up on two suspicious men in Iraq. After stopping the men, SSG Atkins threw himself on a man with a suicide vest, saving his troops in the nearby HMMWV from the explosion.

He was originally nominated for a Medal of honor, but it was downgraded to a DSC.

i8n 2010, SecDef Carter ordered a review of over 1,100 cases. SSG Atkins' case was one of those.

His family will receive the award today in Washington.

[URL="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/03/27/travis-atkins-died-smothering-suicide-bombers-blast-iraq-now-hell-receive-medal-honor/"]WaPo link[/URL]

[URL="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/11/13/two-men-confront-suicide-bombers-and-save-lives-only-one-gets-a-medal-of-honor/"]Previous WaPo coverage[/URL]

[QUOTE]Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, their gruff but revered squad leader, stepped out of the Humvee and walked toward the first stranger. Then an Army medic stepped out of the back seat, moving toward the second.

As Aijo tried to keep track of both soldiers, Atkins unexpectedly began grappling with the first Iraqi just a few feet away. Atkins slammed the man to the ground and threw himself on top of him.

“The thing that became confusing was that once they hit the ground, the way that Travis began positioning his body, it just seemed strange to me,” Aijo recalled. “That’s when the detonation happened.” [/QUOTE]

Grappling with the enemy, knowing he was going to die but hopefully his fellow soldiers would not be harmed.

I salute Travis Atkins

[QUOTE=ricardo;1058788077]Grappling with the enemy, knowing he was going to die but hopefully his fellow soldiers would not be harmed.

I salute Travis Atkins[/QUOTE]

I too salute the man.

I detest those that downgraded the award. I am at the stage in my life that I need a stronger word than FUCK YOU for assholes like that.

Rest In Peace SSG.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

Truly inspiring. RIP SSgt.

POTUS did a great MOH presentation ceromony Yesterday. His son received the MOH on half of his father. Some 50 men of the 10th Mountain Division that He served with at the time were there.
Lest forget....

Father was a paratrooper during Vietnam War, also cousin and uncle present who were veterans.

RIP, Warrior.

A true man among men and a great example of a Warrior!

May you rest in peace forever!

Truly deserving...