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Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Alvin
Adkins
June 16, 1909

–

February 16, 1988

James Adkins graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1930. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cod (SS-224)
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 031328 (July 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander James Alvin Adkins (NSN: 0-63364), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the submarine U.S.S. COD (SS-224), during a war patrol of that vessel. With exceptional daring Commander Adkins fought back against great odds and delivered smashing gun and torpedo attacks against the enemy which resulted in sinking several naval vessels. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cod (SS-224)
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01157 (February 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander James Alvin Adkins (NSN: 0-63364), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the submarine U.S.S. COD (SS-224), during a war patrol in the Pacific. Through his outstanding aggressiveness, tenacity, and skill, Commander Adkins launched well-planned and smartly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy shipping of nearly 11,500 tons and damaging of enemy vessels totaling over 20,000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cod (SS-224)

    Action Date:

    July 3 – August 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03563 (December 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James Alvin Adkins (NSN: 0-63364), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. COD (SS-224), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in the period 3 July to 25 August 1944, in waters in the area of Manila and in Flores and Molukka Seas. Lieutenant Commander Adkins handled his ship expertly and maneuvered into position from which to strike the enemy despite the presence of strong surface and air anti-submarine patrols. In numerous aggressive and well-planned attacks he succeeded inflicting important damage on enemy shipping, sinking three cargo vessels and a large loaded naval landing ship, and damaging a fourth cargo vessel. In all encounters he resolutely retrained the initiative and pursued the attacks regardless of enemy countermeasures. He skillfully avoided the attempts by enemy escort vessels to counterattack with depth charges, and brought his vessel safely back to port. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.