Captain John Paul
Adams, USN, retired
February 20, 1919 -
March 15, 2011
Captain John Paul Adams, USN, retired, age 92, passed away on March 15, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio after a long struggle with Dementia.
Born February 20, 1919 in Horton, Kansas, he spent 32 years in the Navy. He earned his wings and commission June 1941. He reported to Fighter Squadron 42 in the fall of 1941. While embarked in USS Yorktown (CV-5), he participated in the initial air actions of World War II in the Pacific, including the Battle of Coral Sea and Midway. Captain Adams was credited with shooting down three Japanese planes.
After the Battle of the Midway he returned to the States and spent two years as a VF instructor. He then returned to combat in VF-88 flying from the second Yorktown. Captains Adams' combat decorations include: Navy Cross w/Gold Star; Silver Star; Distinguished Flying Cross; Presidential Unit Citation w/Star; Air Medal w/Gold Star.
Retiring in July 1972, Captain Adams became associated with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, serving as a Vice President. He managed the Foundation bookstore for ten years. During this time he lived in Innerarity Point growing camellias, composing poems and painting acrylics of his beloved flowers. Visitors to the museum would be treated to his witty poems, stories of Navy flying and beautiful flowers whether fresh or preserved in his paintings. When not in the museum he could be found on the golf course with fellow Navy buddies attempting to direct little white balls into their appropriate holes using the least number of strokes.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Palmer Adams, who died on March 31, 2010.
He is survived by his only child, Jane DeLette Adams, CDR, USN, retired, his two granddaughters and his four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned at the Committal Shelter Number 3 at Barrancas Cemetery Naval Air Station on May 16, 2011 at 1015.
Published in Pensacola News Journal on May 15, 2011∼ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Ensign Adams made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Ensign Adams showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 14 P15(1) (June 28, 1942)
ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Adams was launched to defend the ship against an imminent attack by Japanese Torpedo Planes. The situation had already become so critical that he made his take-off from the carrier deck amidst the blasts of the ship's five-inch guns, which were directing their fire at the incoming enemy planes. With marked coolness and indomitable courage, Ensign Adams, immediately upon becoming airborne, pressed home attacks against two of the enemy planes, shooting down one in flames and damaging the other. His aggressive attacks on the enemy planes were skillfully executed despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from our ships. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 19, File P15(1) (July 20, 1942
Born: May 27, 1906 at Oakland, California
Home Town: White Cloud, Kansas
Personal Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII), Silver Star (WWII)
Search conducted but burial location unknown
Adams, USN, retired
February 20, 1919 -
March 15, 2011
Captain John Paul Adams, USN, retired, age 92, passed away on March 15, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio after a long struggle with Dementia.
Born February 20, 1919 in Horton, Kansas, he spent 32 years in the Navy. He earned his wings and commission June 1941. He reported to Fighter Squadron 42 in the fall of 1941. While embarked in USS Yorktown (CV-5), he participated in the initial air actions of World War II in the Pacific, including the Battle of Coral Sea and Midway. Captain Adams was credited with shooting down three Japanese planes.
After the Battle of the Midway he returned to the States and spent two years as a VF instructor. He then returned to combat in VF-88 flying from the second Yorktown. Captains Adams' combat decorations include: Navy Cross w/Gold Star; Silver Star; Distinguished Flying Cross; Presidential Unit Citation w/Star; Air Medal w/Gold Star.
Retiring in July 1972, Captain Adams became associated with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, serving as a Vice President. He managed the Foundation bookstore for ten years. During this time he lived in Innerarity Point growing camellias, composing poems and painting acrylics of his beloved flowers. Visitors to the museum would be treated to his witty poems, stories of Navy flying and beautiful flowers whether fresh or preserved in his paintings. When not in the museum he could be found on the golf course with fellow Navy buddies attempting to direct little white balls into their appropriate holes using the least number of strokes.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Palmer Adams, who died on March 31, 2010.
He is survived by his only child, Jane DeLette Adams, CDR, USN, retired, his two granddaughters and his four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned at the Committal Shelter Number 3 at Barrancas Cemetery Naval Air Station on May 16, 2011 at 1015.
Published in Pensacola News Journal on May 15, 2011∼ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Ensign Adams made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Ensign Adams showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 14 P15(1) (June 28, 1942)
ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Adams was launched to defend the ship against an imminent attack by Japanese Torpedo Planes. The situation had already become so critical that he made his take-off from the carrier deck amidst the blasts of the ship's five-inch guns, which were directing their fire at the incoming enemy planes. With marked coolness and indomitable courage, Ensign Adams, immediately upon becoming airborne, pressed home attacks against two of the enemy planes, shooting down one in flames and damaging the other. His aggressive attacks on the enemy planes were skillfully executed despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from our ships. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 19, File P15(1) (July 20, 1942
Born: May 27, 1906 at Oakland, California
Home Town: White Cloud, Kansas
Personal Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII), Silver Star (WWII)
Search conducted but burial location unknown
Captain John Paul
Adams, USN, retired
February 20, 1919 -
March 15, 2011
Captain John Paul Adams, USN, retired, age 92, passed away on March 15, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio after a long struggle with Dementia.
Born February 20, 1919 in Horton, Kansas, he spent 32 years in the Navy. He earned his wings and commission June 1941. He reported to Fighter Squadron 42 in the fall of 1941. While embarked in USS Yorktown (CV-5), he participated in the initial air actions of World War II in the Pacific, including the Battle of Coral Sea and Midway. Captain Adams was credited with shooting down three Japanese planes.
After the Battle of the Midway he returned to the States and spent two years as a VF instructor. He then returned to combat in VF-88 flying from the second Yorktown. Captains Adams' combat decorations include: Navy Cross w/Gold Star; Silver Star; Distinguished Flying Cross; Presidential Unit Citation w/Star; Air Medal w/Gold Star.
Retiring in July 1972, Captain Adams became associated with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, serving as a Vice President. He managed the Foundation bookstore for ten years. During this time he lived in Innerarity Point growing camellias, composing poems and painting acrylics of his beloved flowers. Visitors to the museum would be treated to his witty poems, stories of Navy flying and beautiful flowers whether fresh or preserved in his paintings. When not in the museum he could be found on the golf course with fellow Navy buddies attempting to direct little white balls into their appropriate holes using the least number of strokes.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Palmer Adams, who died on March 31, 2010.
He is survived by his only child, Jane DeLette Adams, CDR, USN, retired, his two granddaughters and his four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned at the Committal Shelter Number 3 at Barrancas Cemetery Naval Air Station on May 16, 2011 at 1015.
Published in Pensacola News Journal on May 15, 2011∼ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Ensign Adams made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Ensign Adams showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 14 P15(1) (June 28, 1942)
ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Adams was launched to defend the ship against an imminent attack by Japanese Torpedo Planes. The situation had already become so critical that he made his take-off from the carrier deck amidst the blasts of the ship's five-inch guns, which were directing their fire at the incoming enemy planes. With marked coolness and indomitable courage, Ensign Adams, immediately upon becoming airborne, pressed home attacks against two of the enemy planes, shooting down one in flames and damaging the other. His aggressive attacks on the enemy planes were skillfully executed despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from our ships. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 19, File P15(1) (July 20, 1942
Born: May 27, 1906 at Oakland, California
Home Town: White Cloud, Kansas
Personal Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII), Silver Star (WWII)
Search conducted but burial location unknown
Adams, USN, retired
February 20, 1919 -
March 15, 2011
Captain John Paul Adams, USN, retired, age 92, passed away on March 15, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio after a long struggle with Dementia.
Born February 20, 1919 in Horton, Kansas, he spent 32 years in the Navy. He earned his wings and commission June 1941. He reported to Fighter Squadron 42 in the fall of 1941. While embarked in USS Yorktown (CV-5), he participated in the initial air actions of World War II in the Pacific, including the Battle of Coral Sea and Midway. Captain Adams was credited with shooting down three Japanese planes.
After the Battle of the Midway he returned to the States and spent two years as a VF instructor. He then returned to combat in VF-88 flying from the second Yorktown. Captains Adams' combat decorations include: Navy Cross w/Gold Star; Silver Star; Distinguished Flying Cross; Presidential Unit Citation w/Star; Air Medal w/Gold Star.
Retiring in July 1972, Captain Adams became associated with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, serving as a Vice President. He managed the Foundation bookstore for ten years. During this time he lived in Innerarity Point growing camellias, composing poems and painting acrylics of his beloved flowers. Visitors to the museum would be treated to his witty poems, stories of Navy flying and beautiful flowers whether fresh or preserved in his paintings. When not in the museum he could be found on the golf course with fellow Navy buddies attempting to direct little white balls into their appropriate holes using the least number of strokes.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Palmer Adams, who died on March 31, 2010.
He is survived by his only child, Jane DeLette Adams, CDR, USN, retired, his two granddaughters and his four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned at the Committal Shelter Number 3 at Barrancas Cemetery Naval Air Station on May 16, 2011 at 1015.
Published in Pensacola News Journal on May 15, 2011∼ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), in action against the Japanese on 4 and 8 May 1942. On 4 May, in company with three other fighter planes forming the escort group for our own Torpedo Planes in an attack on Tulagi Harbor, Ensign Adams made a strafing attack on an enemy gunboat and destroyer, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire and caused serious damage to both enemy vessels. On 8 May, as member of the fighter escort group protecting our own Torpedo Planes making an attack on an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he engaged enemy planes attempting to intercept our attack group and thus assisted materially in the success of our attack which resulted in sinking or severe damaging of the enemy carrier. On his return to our own force he encountered and destroyed an enemy Torpedo Plane. Throughout these engagements Ensign Adams showed courage and aggressiveness without regard for personal safety. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 14 P15(1) (June 28, 1942)
ADAMS, JOHN PAUL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to John Paul Adams (0-98683), Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron THREE (VF-3), embarked from the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Ensign Adams was launched to defend the ship against an imminent attack by Japanese Torpedo Planes. The situation had already become so critical that he made his take-off from the carrier deck amidst the blasts of the ship's five-inch guns, which were directing their fire at the incoming enemy planes. With marked coolness and indomitable courage, Ensign Adams, immediately upon becoming airborne, pressed home attacks against two of the enemy planes, shooting down one in flames and damaging the other. His aggressive attacks on the enemy planes were skillfully executed despite the intense anti-aircraft fire from our ships. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 19, File P15(1) (July 20, 1942
Born: May 27, 1906 at Oakland, California
Home Town: White Cloud, Kansas
Personal Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII), Silver Star (WWII)
Search conducted but burial location unknown
Inscription
CAPT US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
NAVY CROSS (2)
SILVER STAR
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
SPECIAL MAN
