Adams, Charles Speed, RMC

Service number: 3461870

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During Peace Time Awards
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Panay (PR-5)
General Orders: Bureau of Navigation Bulletin 261 (July 1, 1938)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Radioman Second Class Charles S. Adams, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty during the bombing and loss of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5), when that vessel was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Radioman Second Class Adams was a member of the crew which courageously operated the machine gun battery against the attacking planes, even though these guns could not bear forward from which direction most of the attacks were made. Though wounded five times, he remained at his post of duty until ammunition was expended and the order was given to abandon ship. He then assisted in carrying other more seriously wounded from the ship and transporting them overland for six miles to a hospital. The conduct of Radioman Second Class Adams throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Prisoner of War Medal
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Chief Radioman
Division: Prisoner of War (Philippine Islands & Japan)
General Orders: NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 - 1947
Citation: Chief Radioman Charles Speed Adams (NSN: 3461870), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control until returned to U.S. Military control after the end of hostilities in August 1945.