The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Chemical Warfare Service) William H. Adams (ASN: 0-1038543), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 3d Chemical Mortar Battalion, XIII Corps, in Germany on 22 April 1945. When his platoon was attacked by the enemy from all sides, he swiftly organized his platoon’s defense and directed their effective fire inflicting many casualties on the enemy. Constantly exposing himself to the intense fire and once knocked down by the blast of an enemy shell, he continually directed his platoon until the attack was repelled. His outstanding leadership, confidence and cool courage reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.