Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jack Adams (ASN: 0-22338), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 14 December 1941, against enemy Japanese surface vessels in the Southwest Pacific. On this date First Lieutenant Adams was engaged in a bombing mission against two enemy transports. Lieutenant Adams’ B-17 was continuously attacked from the time it reached the target area. Machine-gun bullets cut through the plane, wounding several of the personnel and knocking out two engines. After a forced landing on the island of Masbate, just across the strait from Legaspi, the crew ran for cover while persistent enemy fighters completely destroyed the plane by strafing. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Adams on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps) [then First Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Action Date:

    May 12 – 13, 1941

    War Department, General Orders No. 33 (April 24, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) [then First Lieutenant] Jack Adams (ASN: 0-22338), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while participating in the first mass flight of B-17’s from Hamilton Field, San Rafael, California, to Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, as Co-Pilot on 12 – 13 May 1941. This flight of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was the pioneer flight from the mainland to Hawaii upon which future operations of land based aircraft were developed. The mission was accomplished in the face of adverse winds which necessitated a flight of maximum duration. The combined efforts of each crew member resulted in the safe arrival of all airplanes involved on the flight. The services of Major Adams reflect highest credit to the military forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 33 (July 22, 1942)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Jack Adams (ASN: 0-22338), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber with the Far East Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Adams, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.