The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal (Posthumously) to Fireman William Travis Adams (NSN: 5836232), United States Navy, for heroism while serving at the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on 4 March 1964. Upon escaping from a carbon dioxide filled pump room on the YOG-89 where he had been weighing carbon dioxide bottles and realizing that Richard Cordell Smedley, Fireman Apprentice, USN, was still trapped below, Fireman Adams, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, immediately returned to the Pump Room where he succumbed in his attempt to rescue his shipmate. His courageous and unselfish action inspired his fellow crewmembers in their rescue attempts and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.