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 Major [then Captain] Ralph Emerson Adams (AFSN: FR-54630/AO-3069437), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as the Pilot of an F-105 over North Vietnam on 21 May 1967. On that date, Major Adams was a member of a flight of surface-to-air missile suppression aircraft during a night attack on a major hostile target. Although totally inexperienced in night combat operations, Major Adams ensured the success of the mission by his courageous attacks on the hostile missile sites. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Adams reflect great credit upon 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Ralph Emerson Adams (AFSN: FR-54630/AO-3069437), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 30 June 1967. On that date, Major Adams was flight lead in the “Wild Weasel” surface-to-air missile suppression flight supporting strikes on two heavily defended vital rail complexes. Despite intense anti-aircraft artillery, and several active hostile missile sites, Major Adams successfully protected the strike force from missiles by leading his flight into the target area and attacking and inflicting damage on a site which was in the process of launching missiles at the strike force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major 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 to Major Ralph Emerson Adams (AFSN: FR-54630/AO-3069437), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot in North Vietnam on 17 June 1967. On that date, Major Adams was number 2 in the “Wild Weasel” surface-to-air missile suppression flight supporting a strike against a vital rail complex. Despite intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and numerous active missile sites in the vicinity, Major Adams successfully destroyed one surface-to-air missile site by accurate bombing and a second one with an air-to-ground missile, thereby eliminating the two most serious threats to the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Adams reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.