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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Ensign Benjamin Warren Adams (NSN: 0-300712), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Fighting Squadron SEVEN (VF-7), while leading a section of carrier-based fighter planes assigned to protect surface units of our fleet on 12 October 1944 off the Island of Formosa. Upon sighting a formation of four enemy fighter planes and although facing an enemy force of superior numbers he immediately led his section in a series of determined attacks which broke up and scattered the enemy planes. During this action he shot down two enemy planes. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 7 (VF-7)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01061 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Benjamin Warren Adams (NSN: 0-300712), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in Fighting Squadron SEVEN (VF-7) as a Pilot in a four-plane division of carrier-based fighter planes assigned to an escort and strike mission against the Japanese Fleet in the Philippine Islands area on 26 October 1944. After escorting sixteen bomber and eight torpedo planes safely to the target he joined his division leader in repeated attacks on an enemy destroyer. His strafing assaults, pressed home to low altitude in spite of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, diverted the enemy fire from the torpedo planes he was assigned to protect and enabled them to carry out their mission effectively. His courage and complete disregard for his personal safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.