The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Paul Adams (NSN: 0-98683), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Ensign Adams made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Ensign Adams showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign John Paul Adams (NSN: 0-98683), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Adams was launched to defend the ship against an imminent attack by Japanese Torpedo Planes. The situation had already become so critical that he made his take-off from the carrier deck amidst the blasts of the ship’s five-inch guns, which were directing their fire at the incoming enemy planes. With marked coolness and indomitable courage, Ensign Adams, immediately upon becoming airborne, pressed home attacks against two of the enemy planes, shooting down one in flames and damaging the other. His aggressive attacks on the enemy planes were skillfully executed despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from our ships. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.