Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Platoon Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    24th Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 2540 (May 15, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant James Adams (MCSN: 202198), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Twenty Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. Although his post as police sergeant did not require it, Platoon Sergeant Adams joined his comrades in the front lines and fought with skill and courage to dislodge the enemy from their entrenched positions along the northern beach of the island. On one occasion he and another Marine assaulted a connected series of trenches and a pillbox by alternately attacking the Japanese and acting as cover for each other until reaching positions approximately ten yards from the enemy emplacement. Fearlessly exposing himself to the Japanese, Platoon Sergeant Adams succeeded in destroying five of the hostile troops before he, himself, was killed. His extreme bravery and tenacious determination were an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.