Medal of Honor: William E. Adams – Vietnam War, May 25, 1971

William Edward Adams
Major, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Aviation Section, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 25, 1971
Location: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
When a remote fire base deep in Kontum Province came under siege by a superior North Vietnamese force, three American soldiers lay critically wounded and trapped. The situation was desperate. The base was nearly overrun. The air around it bristled with antiaircraft guns, and the skies were clear—offering enemy gunners a perfect view of any helicopter that dared approach.

Major William E. Adams volunteered anyway.

Flying a lightly armed AH-1G Cobra helicopter meant for attack—not rescue—he charged headlong into enemy fire to evacuate the wounded. As enemy rockets and machine guns erupted around him, Adams calmly guided his aircraft through the gauntlet, expertly coordinating suppressive fire from supporting gunships. It was a masterful display of flying under fire.

He landed safely amid chaos and waited—engine running—as the wounded were loaded.

Moments after takeoff, enemy rounds ripped into the aircraft. The Cobra faltered, descended, and then exploded in a fiery crash. Major Adams was killed instantly.

He knew the odds. He knew the risk. But he went anyway.

Because for him, leaving wounded behind was never an option.

Medal of Honor Citation:
*"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Major Adams, a helicopter pilot, volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter to evacuate three seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base under intense attack. The enemy was firing heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms, and had surrounded the base with numerous antiaircraft weapons.

Fully aware of the extreme danger, Major Adams flew his aircraft into the hostile area, directing supporting gunship fire while skillfully maneuvering through the withering enemy barrage.

He landed the helicopter at the besieged base and calmly remained on the ground until the wounded were loaded.

While departing, his aircraft was struck by enemy fire and severely damaged. Despite his efforts to control the helicopter, it crashed, killing all aboard.

Major Adams' extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army."*