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President Presents Medal of Honor to Fallen Soldier's Son

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President Donald J. Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony to the son of Army Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins for his father's heroic 2007 actions in Iraq.

Atkins saved the lives of three of his fellow soldiers by grabbing a suicide bomber, throwing him to the ground and pinning him there, protecting the soldiers who were only a few feet away when the vest exploded. Atkins died from the blast.

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"In his final moments on earth, Travis did not run," Trump said during the ceremony. "He shielded his men from certain death."

Click here for more about the medal presentation, which was attended by Atkins' family as well as 50 members of his unit, the 10th Mountain Division.

Video: Hall of Heroes Induction
David L. Norquist applauds on a stage as two men beside him hold up a framed photo and certificate.
Induction Moment
David L. Norquist, performing the duties of the deputy defense secretary, posthumously inducts Army Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes during a ceremony with Atkins' family, March 28, 2019.
Credit: Army Sgt. Amber Smith, DOD
VIRIN: 190328-D-SV709-0245Y
Atkins Gives Life for Fellow Soldiers
A soldier wearing sunglasses stands on a dirt road holding a weapon.
In Iraq
Army Sgt. Travis Atkins in Iraq, 2007.
Credit: Army
VIRIN: 070101-A-ZZ999-101Y
More Stories of Valor
A graphic says "Medal of Honor Monday" shows an Army Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Monday
Every week, Medal of Honor Monday highlights one of the more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients who have earned the U.S. military’s highest medal for valor.
Credit: DOD
VIRIN: 190327-D-ZZ999-101
Experience: The Highest Awards for Valor
Three medals hang on a navy blue graphic with the words "Honors for Valor" on it.
Honors for Valor
Honors for Valor
Credit: DOD
VIRIN: 190322-D-ID696-002Y

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