Jack Adams’ Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to

Jack Adams

First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

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 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.