11th Veteran of the Quarter, John Atkins, US Navy
June 5, 2013
When Mr. John Atkins entered the service of the United States Navy in March 1943, little did he realize the impact he would have in providing safety for thousands of men and women of this great nation and the world.
Mr. Atkins served during WWII on a US Navy minesweeper and the USS Captivate, from 1943 to 1945. His responsibility was to operate and maintain the underwater sound equipment in addition to the regular duties of operating the radar systems. Mr. Atkins was sent to Chicago for the US Navy to advance his career in electronics as well as Dearborn, MI. From there, his assignments took him to Corpus Christi where he changed to avionics and began teaching avionics, as well as, electronics at the same time while flying as a crew member and instructor teaching pilots, navigators, and sailors for 2 years. He also served as an electronics instructor in Memphis in 1947.
He joined the air group fighter group 9 in Charleston, RI and was put on the ship, USS Philippine Sea as a Chief Electronics Technician. On this ship he also flew as an aircrew member on a torpedo bomber. This ship patrolled the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Europe in the Mediterranean from 1948-1949.
It was in Chincoteague, VA where he decided to re-enlist and joined the Utility Squadron 4. He was appointed to Leading First Class Technician. It was at this station that they began developing the Drone Control. Starting with 10 control functions, they then went to 19 controls. It was there they converted a F-6 Hellcat to a drone. Mr. Atkins worked up an auto pilot program test bench function to which he was awarded accommodations for. He then built a remote transmitter unit to remotely fly the aircraft and in 1950, it was placed on board the ship Philippine Sea and there they operated the drone off the carrier in the Atlantic. This drone was the first to be catapulted off a Naval carrier. The drone was then used in the Korean War to carry bombs and become an unmanned bomber. Drones continue to evolve over the years and are currently flying all over the world protecting our troops, thanks to the handful of dedicated men and women such as Mr. Atkins. Many service men and women owe their lives to the drone aircraft.
Mr. Atkins was awarded the position of a Chief Aviation Electronics Technician on February 18, 1953. He was made Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician on December 16, 1966. He also achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Significant Awards include: Navy Good Conduct Medal (6), American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal w/ European Clasp.
To nominate a local Veteran for the Branson Bank Veteran of the Quarter, please see a Customer Service Representative for the Nomination Form. Veterans are chosen by a panel of their peers.
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