The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Daniel Adams, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous actions during a vehicle accident on 10 October 2016. Staff Sergeant Adams distinguished himself by disregarding his personal safety in order to save numerous civilians. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), the First Special Forces Command (Airborne), the United States Army Special Operations Command, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant Daniel Adams, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct during a vehicle accident on 10 October 2016. At approximately 1600 on 10 October 20 I 6 while traveling east on U.S. Highway 64 in Asheboro, North Carolina, Staff Sergeant Adams witnessed a vehicle with two women and two children travel off the road and down an embankment and collide with several trees before coming to a stop. Without hesitation, Staff Sergeant Adams immediately stopped his vehicle and rushed 75 yards down a steep embankment to the scene of the accident to render aid. Despite excessive smoke exiting the vehicle, Staff Sergeant Adams courageously entered the vehicle and began pulling casualties out. After freeing two casualties from the vehicle entanglement, Staff Sergeant Adams carried both victims 75 yards up a steep embankment to the side of the highway and began rendering lifesaving medical treatment. After ensuring that both casualties were stable, Staff Sergeant Adams bravely rushed back down the embankment to assist the last casualty remaining in the smoking vehicle. He was able to safely move the casualty out of danger and began performing emergency medical assistance. Unsure if the vehicle smoke would eventually turn into a vehicle fire, he repeatedly risked his life in order to attempt to save the lives of others. After emergency service personnel arrived, Staff Sergeant Adams remained at the scene to assist in the movement and care of the casualties. Only after ensuring that all casualties had been properly taken care of did Staff Sergeant Adams stop providing assistance to the local emergency and rescue workers. Because of his quick thinking, courage, and selfless action, Staff Sergeant Adams is personally responsible for saving the lives of two of the vehicle casualties. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), First Special Forces Command (Airborne), the United States Army Special Operations Command, and the United States Army.