The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman Second Class John D. Adams, United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct while serving aboard the U.S.S. HENLEY (DD-391) on 3 October 1943. Taking charge of a wounded shipmate after the sinking of the U.S.S. HENLEY, Yeoman Second Class Adams placed him in a life jacket and helped him over the side. He then found two other men struggling to stay above water. He took them all in tow, until relieved, and then towed one man to a raft 300 yards distant.