Captain Tollie Atkins Jr. was born in Brutal, Arkansas, and currently resides in Fort Smith. He served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Some of his awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious combat achievement, the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat, and the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters.

During Captain Atkins's assignment with the 118th Assault Helicopter Company as an aircraft commander, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. The General Orders noted that he exhibited heroism during aerial flight through voluntary actions beyond the call of duty. On September 12, 1966, while piloting a UH-1D Huey helicopter, he evacuated casualties and delivered supplies to elements of the 25th Infantry Division near Cu Chi, Republic of Vietnam. An artillery barrage began, forcing him to fly under the artillery fire.

Upon departing after delivering supplies, the aircraft sustained damage from enemy fire. Captain Atkins experienced a wound in his leg and noticed his copilot had been mortally wounded. Despite suffering a painful bullet wound and losing communication with his crew, he managed to give instructions vocally and maintain control of the helicopter. He executed a running landing on the airstrip despite increasing vibrations and control difficulties. His actions were in accordance with the highest traditions of military service, bringing credit to himself, his unit, and the United States Army.