World War II Honoree

Barry K. Atkins

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Annapolis, Maryland

Honored By

Grateful American

Relationship

Admirer

ADMIRAL. COMMANDED A DESTROYER THAT SUNK A JAPANESE BATTLESHIP IN A HISTORIC BATTLE IN 1944. HE RECEIVED THE NAVY CROSS FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM AS THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE USS MELVIN DURING THE BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HE ALSO SERVED TOURS OF DUTY ON THE USS PARROT, USS TENNESSEE AND USS NEW MEXICO. RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR, BRONZE STAR AND MANY OTHER RIBBONS AND COMMENDATIONS. MILITARY HISTORIANS BELIEVE THE 1944 SINKING OF THE JAPANESE VESSEL FUSO WAS THE ONLY INSTANCE IN THE WAR OF A DESTROYER SINKING A BATTLESHIP.