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

Name: William E. Adams
Rank: Major
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: A Company, 227th Assault Helicopter Company, 52d Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Action: May 25, 1971
Location: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 25 May 1971, Major William E. Adams displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Kontum Province, Vietnam.

A small fire base under heavy enemy assault contained three critically wounded soldiers in desperate need of evacuation.

Enemy anti-aircraft weapons surrounded the position, and the clear weather gave hostile gunners an unobstructed field of fire against any approaching aircraft.

Despite knowing the extreme danger, Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter into the embattled fire base.

As his helicopter approached the landing zone, enemy forces unleashed intense fire from heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms.

Ignoring the deadly barrage, Adams continued his approach with complete determination to complete the rescue mission.

While maneuvering under fire, he calmly coordinated supporting gunships and directed their attacks against enemy positions, all while maintaining full control of his aircraft.

Displaying exceptional flying skill and courage, Adams successfully landed the helicopter inside the fire base despite the increasing intensity of enemy fire.

He remained on the ground under direct attack until the wounded soldiers had been loaded aboard the aircraft.

As the helicopter lifted off to depart the position, it was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire and suffered catastrophic damage.

The crippled aircraft immediately began descending.

Refusing to surrender control, Adams fought to regain command of the helicopter and attempted a controlled landing to save those aboard.

Despite his efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and crashed to the ground amid continuing enemy fire.

Major Adams’ willingness to knowingly fly into overwhelming danger in order to save wounded soldiers reflected the highest traditions of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty in the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

ADAMS, WILLIAM E.

Maj. Adams distinguished himself on 25 May 1971 while serving as a helicopter pilot in Kontum Province in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Maj. Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to evacuate 3 seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force. He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous antiaircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners unobstructed view of all routes into the base. As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board. As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending. Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing. Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire. Maj. Adams’ conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the U S. Army.