The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Arthur H. Adams (MCSN: 0-6051), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea. On 22 December 1952, Lieutenant Colonel Adams led a flight of Marine jet fighter-bombers against heavily defended enemy front line forces engaged in combat with elements of the FIRST Marine Division. As the flight approached the objective area, a low cloud formation so reduced visibility that positive target identification was extremely difficult. Because of the extreme proximity of the friendly forces and despite intense hostile automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Colonel Adams made a low reconnaissance run beneath the overcast in order to locate the enemy trenches and mortar positions. When positive of his target, he initiated a daring assault in the face of concentrated defensive fire, scoring direct hits with all his bombs on an enemy personnel shelter and heavy mortar emplacement. His accurate marking of the obscure target enabled the remaining elements of his flight to execute a highly effective attack that completely destroyed the enemy positions. Lieutenant Colonel Adams’ bombing accuracy and exemplary leadership were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially reduced hostile pressure on friendly troops.



