The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Richard J. Adams (MCSN: 1191607), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rifleman of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 19 – 20 March 1953. Although painfully wounded when the outpost occupied by his squad far forward of the main line of resistance was attacked by an enemy company following a preparatory mortar barrage, Private First Class Adams remained at his post and, delivering a devastating hail of accurate small-arms fire, inflicted heavy casualties upon the onrushing enemy. Observing an enemy grenade land in the trench line near two of his comrades, he unhesitatingly rushed to the scene and placed his helmet over the deadly missile the instant it exploded, thereby saving his fellow Marines from possible serious wounds. Despite additional wounds to himself sustained during this heroic act, he immediately returned to his fighting position and, encountering several of the enemy moving into the trench, single-handedly engaged them in hand-to-hand combat, forcing them from the trench. Nearing a point of complete exhaustion, he still refused medical aid until all other casualties had been treated, and walked unaided a distance of approximately three hundred yards to the main line of resistance. By his intrepid fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and gallant initiative, Private First Class Adams served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the success of his unit in repelling the attackers. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.