The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Waldo E. Adams (MCSN: 305928), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Fire Team Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. Courageously leading his men in an attack on an important enemy airfield, Corporal Adams effectively supported his advancing platoon and, despite intense hostile fire, aided in annihilating many of the Japanese and in taking possession of the hostile position. Although seriously wounded while directing the final bayonet charge, he remained in the front lines, gallantly contributing to the repulse of hostile counterattacks and to the seizure and holding of his company’s objective. His courage, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.