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Douglas Paul Atkins |
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Private First Class Douglas Paul Atkins was born on September 14, 1950 in Ann Arbor to Mr. and Mrs. Variell L. Atkins. Douglas is a 1968 graduate of Ann Arbor Senior High School in Ann Arbor. He also attended Washtenaw Community College prior to his entry into the Army August of 1969.
Private First Class Atkins started his tour in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam on July 6, 1970 serving as a Medical Corpsman with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Douglas' unit was operating in an area that was full of "booby-traps". Private First Class Douglas Paul Atkins was killed by a booby-trap explosion on July 27, 1970, just 23 days into his tour in Vietnam.
Douglas earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Expert Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar prior to his death. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge.
Doug is survived by his parents, family and friends. He lived 19 years, 10 months and 13 days. Douglas Paul Atkins is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 08W Line 058.
The Wall rubbings by John Kinzinger
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Deniz "The Turk" Balta
Friend
My Friend
My childhood friend, my hero. The pride I feel towards him grows with every year. He has influenced my life in so many possitive ways which in turn has been passed on to my own children. Doug's spirit lives, he will never be forgotten by those who he touched. There hasn't been a day when he hasn't been thought of.
Sep 30, 2006
Pat Knew
Doug was a beautiful soul.
Doug was a stikingly beautiful young man. He always had a smile on his face and a light in his eyes that warmed your heart. Doug is remembered.
Friday, June 09, 2006
The above two comments from www.thewall-usa.com