The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Third Class Theodore Eastman Adams, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as aircrewman of a carrier-based dive bombing airplane in action against the enemy fleet in the vicinity of the East Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. When his plane delivered an effective attack against a Japanese Fleet oiler, he, in the face of very intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, with utter disregard for his own safety, stood by his guns to ward off enemy fighter attacks. He performed all his multiple duties in an outstanding manner and assisted his pilot materially by effectively strafing and inflicting further damage to enemy ships during the retirement. While returning in total darkness to his own forces, his airplane fuel became exhausted, necessitating a landing in the water. He assisted his pilot in abandoning the airplane successfully and with sufficient equipment to insure safety until their rescue. His coolness, skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.