Samuel Adams

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Samuel Adams (0-074937), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi Harbor on 4 May 1942, and in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. These attacks, vigorously and persistently pressed home in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, and on 8 May opposed also by enemy fighters, resulted in the sinking or damaging of at least eight enemy Japanese vessels at Tulagi and the sinking of one carrier and the sinking or severe damaging of another in the Coral Sea. Lieutenant Adams’ conscientious devotion to duty and gallant self-command against formidable odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 2050 (May 8, 1942)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Samuel Adams (0-074937), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE (VS-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese during the Air Battle of Midway, June 4 – 6, 1942. Lieutenant Adams established contact with major enemy units and, in the face of fighter opposition, tenaciously, bravely and with no thought of personal safety, maintained his contact, drove off the fighters and sent complete contact and amplifying reports which later enabled our forces to attack the last remaining enemy aircraft carrier. His brave and gallant action contributed in a large degree to the glorious and decisive victory of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 18a P15(1), (July 18, 1942)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Samuel Adams (0-074937), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Lieutenant Adams and his squadron inflicted severe damage on the enemy, with probable destruction of three hostile ships. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.