Ranger Infantry Company of the Korean War

Ranger Hall of Fame

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ALBERT E. ATKINS

Ranger Albert E. Atkins is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his dedication to duty and his contributions to the United States Army as a courageous and dynamic Ranger leader. Ranger Albert Atkins performed above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of his 23-year military career. He saw combat during two wars—World War II and the Korean War. Ranger Atkins was a member of the 2nd Infantry Division during World War II and was in continuous battle since landing in Normandy in June 1944. He fought through France, the Hurtgen Forest, and was on the Eifel and Elsenborn Ridge in the Ardennes, Belgium during the early days of what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. He was well into Germany when the war ended in Europe. As a “high point” man he was transferred to the 99th Infantry for return to the United States and subsequent discharge on 7 August 1945. During the Korean War Ranger Atkins was a squad leader in the 4th Ranger Company. On 23 March 1951, Ranger Atkins participated in a combat parachute jump when the Rangers supported the 187th Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team at Munsanni. Ranger Atkins was one of the leaders that paddled their way across a mile of Hwachon reservoir water in the early morning hours of 11 April 1951 to take the fight to the Chinese guarding the dam on the reservoir. This was the only amphibious operation by any of the Korean War Airborne Ranger Companies. That evening nearly single-handedly, Ranger Atkins covered the withdrawal of the 4th Ranger Company from the line of engagement down the reverse slope to the water line, and across the reservoir to the point of embarkation. Ranger Atkins continued his service to his country until retirement relieved him of the responsibilities of a combat infantryman, but never as a Ranger. Ranger Atkins died on 26 May 1999.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!