Unit USS Cushing (TB-1) | Name Daniel Atkins | |
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Born November 18, 1866
Brunswick County, Virginia ( 1866-11-18 ) Died May 11, 1923(1923-05-11) (aged 56)
Portsmouth, Virginia Place of burial Captain Ted Conaway Memorial Naval Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Rank Chief Commissary Steward | ||
Service/branch United States Navy | ||
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.
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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.