The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Carlton Rolla Adams, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HENLEY (DD-391) which was a unit of a Task Group returning from Finschhafen on 22 September 1943. This task group, composed of destroyers and tank landing ships, was attacked by ten enemy torpedo planes. Commander Adams immediately brought his ship into action, took station in the most effective position to protect the convoy and by skilful maneuvering avoided all torpedoes. During this time he was repeatedly strafed by the enemy. He successfully repelled this attack, inflicting losses on the enemy, and brought his ship and convoy through unscathed except for slight damage due to machine gun fire. Commander Adams’ actions and conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.