weapon and entered the doorway of the house to engage
at the enemy position. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then reentered
the house and again came under intense enemy
a rocket-propelled grenade at his platoon. Recognizing
one insurgent and wounding another who ran to a different
reemerged and engaged Staff Sergeant Bellavia. Staff
Sergeant Bellavia moved to a door that opened onto the
Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from
the United States Army.
STAFF SERGEANT
TRAVIS W ATKINS
Staff Sergeant Travis W Atkins
distinguished himself by acts of
gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty on
the position of Squad Leader
from his position. Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately moved
his squad to interdict the individuals. One of the individuals
to disembark from his patrol vehicle and approach to
conduct a search. Both individuals responded belligerently
individual he had intended to search in hand-to-hand
combat. Staff Sergeant Atkins tried to wrestle the insurgent’s
arms behind his back. When he noticed the insurgent was
Atkins immediately wrapped him in a bear hug and threw
114 VETERANS AFFAIRS 90 YEARS: Military & Wellness