The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, William Lee Adams (NSN: 0-125133), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action on 20 June 1944, during attacks on the enemy fleet. The flight in which Lieutenant Adams participated dive bombed two large enemy aircraft carriers, probably sinking one of them and contributing to the sinking of the other, and also shot down two enemy fighters in the face of continuous heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition. The flight was further hazarded by the extreme range of the attack and the return to the carrier and landing of large groups of planes more than two hours after sunset. The attack was carried through to completion despite the knowledge that doing so jeopardized a safe return. Lieutenant Adams’ courage, determination, and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain William Lee Adams (NSN: 0-125133), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from February to November 1971 as Acting Director, Fleet Readiness, Liaison and Command Information Support Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During this period, Captain Adams employed his outstanding knowledge of worldwide naval operations to great advantage in directing his division. He met with alacrity the requirement for versatility, detailed knowledge and accuracy needed to make instantaneous decisions concerning global employment of naval surface, subsurface and air forces in both hostile and peaceful environments. Captain Adams’ astute direction of his staff in planning and coordinating highly classified reconnaissance and surveillance matters was exceptionally effective. He succeeded in operating with constantly dwindling personnel resources without permitting any of the myriad functions for which he was responsible to go unheeded. By his outstanding professional competence, keen judgment, and sound leadership in a particularly demanding assignment, Captain Adams reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Tripoli (LPH-10)Action Date:
September 1967 – August 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain William Lee Adams (NSN: 0-125133), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TRIPOLI (LPH-10), from September 1967 to August 1968. During the periods September – November 1967 and July – August 1968, TRIPOLI served as flagship of Commander Amphibious Ready Group BRAVO, SEVENTH Fleet. In his capacity as Commanding Officer, Captain Adams was personally responsible for the sustained superior performance of his command in four amphibious combat operations against the Viet Cong insurgents and North Vietnamese Army Forces in the First Corps Tactical Zone of the Republic of Vietnam. He was responsible for the skillful execution of the vertical envelopment phases of these amphibious assaults and combat operations, the dispatch of regular and emergency continuous re-supply for troops in the field, and lifesaving care and proficient definitive relief for the suffering. During the period TRIPOLI was not deployed, Captain Adams maintained his ship in a high state of readiness as evidenced the grades of OUTSTANDING assigned in Ship Control and Engineering during the Interim Refresher Training and for the Medical and Dental Administrative Inspections. By his resourcefulness, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Adams upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Adams is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)