Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighter Squadron 884 (VF-884)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Boxer (CV-21)

    Action Date:

    June 22, 1951

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 61 (January 14, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant John C. Adams (NSN: 0-395490), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a fighter pilot attached to Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY-FOUR (VF-884), while operating from the U.S.S. BOXER (CV-21). On 22 June 1951, Lieutenant Adams participated in a close air support mission near Sohwa-ri in hostile North Korean territory. Under the direction of an Air Force controller airplane, he courageously and efficiently destroyed a machine gun emplacement with his napalm bomb. Continuing his attacks, he bombed and strafed enemy troops and gun positions in the surrounding area, which resulted in his killing at least sixty of the enemy and silencing two additional machine gun positions. In the face of intense automatic and small arms fire, he was credited with one hundred per cent coverage of that particular area in his attacks. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Adams displayed the inspiring leadership and devotion to duty that is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.