Thomas Brooks Adams

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas Brooks Adams (0-116374), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron ELEVEN (VT-11), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Assigned to attack enemy surface forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, in the face of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Adams pressed home his attack and scored two direct bomb hits upon an enemy light cruiser. Lieutenant Adams’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were at all times inspiring, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0576 (February 27, 1944)