Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division "Sight Seein' Sixth", U.S. Army

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Stephen S. Adams, Jr. (ASN: 0-409105), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Dutch New Guinea, on 23 June 1944. After our perimeter had been attacked by a strong enemy patrol with heavy fire from automatic weapons, rifles, and knee mortars, causing many casualties, Captain Adams quickly organized a patrol and aggressively led it in attacking the enemy, killing many and driving the remainder from the area. Although he had been wounded he refused evacuation and returned to his company. He led his organization as assault troops up a steep cliff to reduce an enemy position. Captain Adams had worked his way up through enemy fire to administer first aid to a member of the patrol when he was caught by enemy fire and killed. Captain Adams' courageous leadership inspired his men to follow through the thickest fire, and was a material factor in the success of our operations. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Posthumously awarded.