President Donald J. Trump announced today that he will award the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant and Bozeman High School student Travis W. Atkins.

The Medal of Honor will be bestowed posthumously to Atkins for conspicuous gallantry and to commemorate his selfless service and sacrifice. Atkins died on June 1, 2007, while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the White House, while serving in Iraq with Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Staff Sergeant Atkins engaged in hand-to hand combat with a suspected insurgent. As he attempted to subdue the man, Staff Sergeant Atkins realized the insurgent was attempting to detonate a bomb strapped to his body. When he noticed the insurgent was about to trigger the suicide vest, Staff Sergeant Atkins tackled him, selflessly using his own body to shield his fellow soldiers from the imminent explosion. Staff Sergeant Atkins’ heroic actions, at the cost of his life, saved the lives of three of his teammates.

The president will award Atkins the Medal of Honor on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the White House. His son, Trevor Oliver, and family are expected to be there for the ceremony.

Credit: United States Army
Credit: United States Army
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