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Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery

Born:  February 05, 1921 at Campobello, SC

Entered Service in the US Army from Campobello, SC

Earned The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism March 10, 1945 at Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands

With two companions Private First Class Atkins occupied a position on a ridge outside the perimeter defense. At about 3 a.m., two companies of Japanese attacked, severely wounding PFC Atkins and killing his companions. Despite intense hostile fire and pain from his wound, he held his ground and returned fire. After the attack was repulsed, he remained in his position to repel any subsequent assaults instead of returning to American lines for medical treatment. An enemy machinegun, set up within 20 yards of his foxhole, vainly attempted to drive him off. For four hours PFC Atkins remained in his fox hole, bearing the brunt of each assault and maintaining steady and accurate fire until each charge was repulsed. At 7 a.m., 13 enemy dead lay in front of his position; he had fired 400 rounds, and had used three rifles until each had jammed. He withdrew during a lull to secure a rifle and more ammunition, and was persuaded to remain for medical treatment. While waiting, he saw a Japanese within the perimeter and, seizing a nearby rifle, killed him. A few minutes later, while lying on a litter, he discovered an enemy group moving up behind the platoon's lines. Despite his severe wound, he sat up, delivered heavy rifle fire against the group and forced them to withdraw.