The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Jon D. Adams (MCSN: 1221228), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a Machine Gunner of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 4 – 5 September 1952. With his squad receiving the brunt of a devastating enemy artillery and mortar bombardment while occupying a vitally important sector of an outpost hill position, Private First Class Adams voluntarily moved forward through the murderous barrage and set up his machine gun on the forward slope of the hill in a daring attempt to repulse the inevitable hostile assault. Resolutely maintaining his position until three waves of the enemy were within accurate range of his gun, he opened fire and, delivering a deadly volley upon the onrushing troops, succeeded in repelling the main assault. Although seriously wounded while moving his weapon to a more advantageous position, he continued to bring accurate and effective fire upon the enemy, repulsing a second onslaught. While preparing to move to a third position, and having no tripod at this time, he threw a belt of ammunition over his shoulder, picked up the hot gun in his bare hands and, ignoring the painful burns he was sustaining, fired the weapon from his hip until momentarily blinded by a concussion grenade. Regaining partial sight, he gallantly continued to deliver a hail of effective fire until critically wounded by enemy shrapnel, refusing to be evacuated until all other friendly casualties had received medical treatment. By his exceptional valor, marked fortitude and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, Private First Class Adams single-handedly accounted for fifty-eight enemy casualties. His heroic actions sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.