Daniel Atkins

For the computing pioneer and professor of community informatics, see Daniel E. Atkins.

Daniel Atkins
U.S. Navy poster featuring Daniel Atkins.
Born	(1866-11-18)November 18, 1866 Brunswick County, Virginia, US
Died	May 11, 1923(1923-05-11) (aged 56) Portsmouth, Virginia, US
Place of burial	Captain Ted Conaway Memorial Naval Cemetery
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 (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.

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 recipients of 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

• List of Medal of Honor recipients
• List of Medal of Honor recipients in non-combat incidents

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.