The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John W. Adams (ASN: 36697710), United States Army, extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving Company H, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 18 November 1944. When a strong enemy force assaulted his position, Private First Class Adams poured withering machine gun fire into the advancing foe, halting the attack. A second wave of Germans charged his position. Alone and greatly outnumbered, Private First Class Adams held his ground against this second fanatical attack and continued to fire until his position was overrun, and he, himself was killed by enemy grenades exploding in his emplacement. By his superb heroism and unflinching valor, Private First Class Adams successfully delayed the enemy penetration until reinforcements were brought forward. Private First Class Adams’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.