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2nd Lt Cornelius E. Atkins graduated from Middlesex High School in Jun, 1942. Shortly after graduation he entered Harvard University.

He volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States and while waiting to be called, worked in the Rheem Shipyard in Providence. He entered the service on 25 May 1943 and received his wings in Frederick, Oklahoma on 4 August 1944 with the rank of Flight Officer. He was was sent overseas on 1 March 1945. He was posthumously commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

Lt Atkins was a passenger on a B-24J with serialnumber 44-10620, which was on a Trolley mission.

Trolley missions were flown in early May 1945. The purpose being to provide all crew and ground personnel the opportunity to see the results of their contribution in the strategic air war against Germany. Many precautions were taken on these missions, and the most responsible and experienced pilots were chosen to fly. There were no trolley missions flown in bad weather. Despite such precautions, accidents occurred, such as this.

The pilot of the lead aircraft in the element in which Lt Saunderson was to fly left wing, said that he contacted Lt Saunderson once while the aircraft were circling the field. Lt Saunderson said that he was going to pull up on the wing. When Lt Saunderson failed to do so the other pilot tried several more times to contact him, however he was unable to do so. The other pilot then went out on course.

The aircraft crashed into the Engers Bridge.

All nineteen men aboard were killed, and of only six of them the remains were recovered.