Education
Atkins graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1932, and was commissioned as a career naval officer
Atkins graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1932, and was commissioned as a career naval officer
On October 25, 1944, the Melvin fired a torpedo at the Japanese battleship Fusō, setting off a chain reaction of explosions that sank the ship. According to Jack Green, spokesman at the Naval Historical Center, "the Melvin probably was the only destroyer to sink a battleship in World World War World War II"
Atkins also served on the United States Ship Parrott, United States Ship Tennessee, and the United States Ship New Mexico, among other ships, and was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and other medals. He retired in October 1959.
Admiral Atkins died at on November 15, 2005 at age 94.
He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on January 30, 2006. There has been pressure from crewmen of the Melvin to have a ship named after Atkins.
The only official response has been that, as one prominent and highly-decorated officer among many, he is eligible for the honor but not guaranteed lieutenant