The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jonathan Edwards Adams, Jr. (ASN: 0-23833), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at ****, Holland, from 17 to 19 September 1944. Captain Adams, Company Commander, voluntarily led a combat patrol whose mission was to destroy a building which was reported to be the control station controlling the demolitions intended for the destruction of the vital highway bridge across the Waal River. Captain Adams led his patrol through the enemy lines during the height of a fire fight, proceeded five hundred yards into an enemy sector, attacked and captured the control station, killing twenty-five Germans. Following this action, the group found itself surrounded. Displaying indomitable audacity and personal courage, Captain Adams refused to surrender and held off the enemy for two days until a friendly force broke through to relieve him. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.


