Virgil Milton Atwood was born on October 8, 1920, in Talladega, Talladega County, Alabama. He was the son of Chester L. Kaufman. He was the husband of Flora A. Atwood. Atwood was a veteran of World War II and had been awarded both the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Cross during his military service. He was recalled to active duty as a reservist in October 1950 and deployed to Korea the following month.

After receiving a battlefield commission, Second Lieutenant Atwood assumed command of a platoon in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On June 3, 1951, while leading his platoon in an assault on a hill near Okkye-ri, North Korea, the unit was met with intense enemy fire. Ordering his men to seek cover, Atwood advanced alone against the enemy positions, killing approximately 20 enemy soldiers and disabling six machine guns before he was fatally struck by enemy mortar fire. He is now buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Talladega, Talladega County, Alabama, USA.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant [then Sergeant First Class] Virgil Milton Atwood (ASN: 0-2262952/ER-6967668), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 February 1951, near Yongdu-ri, Korea. As his company was advancing on Hill 469, they were pinned down by intense enemy fire. Seeing his comrades weaken and on the verge of breaking, Lieutenant Atwood, realizing the necessity for immediate action, rose to his feet in full view of the enemy and began calling encouragement and direction of fire. He so inspired his comrades that they arose and under his leadership moved forward placing devastating fire power on the hostile forces. His action materially aided his company in routing the enemy and gaining new positions. Lieutenant Atwood’s gallantry reflects great credit on himself and the military service. Entered federal service from Alabama.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.koreanwar.org, valor.militarytimes.com