The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant James D. Adams, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a CH-3E Helicopter Flight Engineer, in Southeast Asia on 14 February 1969. On that date, Sergeant Adams was responsible for the rescue of two survivors of a Long Range Reconnaissance Team. His duties required him to stand in the open doorway of his helicopter, fully exposed to hostile ground fire, during the approach and while hovering to hoist the two survivors aboard. Although the helicopter sustained multiple hits from the hostile ground fire, Sergeant Adams remained at his position, directing the pilots into their hover over the survivors and operating the rescue hoist. He then rendered first aid to the wounded soldiers, as the helicopter with drew from the hostile area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Adams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Technical Sergeant James D. Adams, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an HH-53 Flight Engineer in Southeast Asia on 21 July 1971. On that date, Sergeant Adams was sent on a mission to retrieve a downed aircraft deep within hostile territory. The recovery aircraft lost power while attempting the pickup, and Sergeant Adams, with complete disregard for his own safety, physically dove across the helicopter to jettison an external load in an attempt to keep the aircraft airborne. In so doing, he placed himself in a dangerously unprotected position and did indeed sustain serious injuries. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Adams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.