In July 1944, having been promoted to CDR, he went back to sea and in the Philippines on 10 October, he assumed command of USS MELVIN (DD 680). Just over two weeks later he took MELVIN into action at the Battle of Surigao, Strait. His ship was credited with sinking the enemy battleship FUSO.... the only US destroyer to accomplish such a feat. For this action, CDR Atkins was awarded the Navy Cross "For extraordinary heroism... in action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet .... which contributed materially to the decisive defeat of enemy forces".
MELVIN later operated with fast carrier forces attacking the Japanese home islands and supporting the Okinawa campaign. She also participated in the last surface action of the war, a sweep through the Kuriles and bombardment of Paramashiro Wan just days before the war ended. Awarded the Bronze Star, his citation reads, in part, "For heroic achievement, as Commanding Officer .... in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kyushu and Okinawa area from 14 March to 14 May 1945. Going to the aid of a badly damaged destroyer on 29 April 1945, CDR Atkins displayed excellent seamanship by maneuvering his ship alongside the stricken vessel in the face of burning and exploding ammunition to fight the fires and, after they were extinguished, remained alongside to provide electrical power and water to enable the ship to regain power ........."
MELVIN returned to the states after the war for decommissioning and CDR Atkins was detached and reported to the Commandant 8th Naval District as Prospective Commanding Officer HOLDER, placing her in commission on 18 May 1946.