The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Nathaniel James Adams (NSN: 0-321011), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. On 25 July 1944, while engaged on an anti-shipping search, he materially contributed to the destruction of a Japanese destroyer, by pressing home repeated strafing attacks in the face of heavy return fire from the enemy ship. When his plane was so badly damaged by the explosion of the ship that it could not be landed aboard, he skillfully made a safe water landing alongside a friendly destroyer. His outstanding skill, courage and determination, as demonstrated by this exploit, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.