The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Russell Max Adams (NSN: 0-278220), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, 24 October 1944. As Pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber in Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB-18), embarked in U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), he made the first contact with the enemy Battle Task Force. He shadowed this force until after the first strike was successfully launched. His accurate reporting of its composition and position enabled our forces to launch their attack at extreme combat range. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack on an enemy heavy cruiser though his plane was turned over before completion of his dive. The action helped in removing a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His report and personal attack on the Japanese Force was beyond the call of duty, courageous in the extreme and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.