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Atkins graduated in 1941 from Knightdale High School, where he was president of the student council, editor of the school newspaper and had a leading role in a school play. He entered UNC in 1941 and was enrolled until 1943, when he was inducted into the U.S. Army.
He trained with the 88th Chemical Battalion (Motorized) and participated in the invasion of Saipan as a member of Company “C.” The unit was re-designated as the 88th Chemical Mortar Battalion on Feb. 15, 1945, and participated in the Battle of Okinawa, which began on April 1, 1945. Atkins was killed in action on Okinawa on April 11, 1945.
Alumni Secretary J. Maryon "Spike" Saunders '25 wrote to Atkins’ parents:
"In the sacrifice that your son and others like him have made, I hope that all of us will live and work toward the end of eliminating war from the earth."
Sources:
GAA Alumni Records;
www.4point2.org/88cmb.htm
