Willamette National Cemetery
Medal of Honor Citation* Stanley T. Adams *(Section H, Grave 3623-O) Lieutenant Colonel (then Sergeant First Class),
Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division, United States Army Citation: Lieutenant Colonel Adams distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy on 4 February 1951, near Sesim-ni, Korea. At approximately 0100 hours, Lieutenant Colonel Adams' platoon, holding an outpost some 200 yards ahead of his company, came under a determined attack by an estimated 250 enemy troops. Intense small-arms, machine gun, and mortar fire from 3 sides pressed the platoon back against the main line of resistance. Observing approximately 150 hostile troops silhouetted against the skyline advancing against his platoon, Lieutenant Colonel Adams leaped to his feet, urged his men to fix bayonets, and he, with 13 members of his platoon, charged this hostile force with indomitable courage. Within 50 yards of the enemy Lieutenant Colonel Adams was knocked to the ground when pierced in the leg by an enemy bullet. He jumped to his feet and, ignoring his wound, continued on to close with the enemy when he was knocked down 4 times from the concussion of grenades which had bounced off his body. Shouting orders he charged the enemy positions and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat where man after man fell before his terrific onslaught with bayonet and rifle butt. After nearly an hour of vicious action Lieutenant Colonel Adams and his comrades routed the fanatical foe, killing over 50 and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Upon receiving orders that his battalion was moving back he provided cover fire while his men withdrew. Lieutenant Colonel Adams' superb leadership, incredible courage, and consummate devotion to duty so inspired his comrades that the enemy attack was completely thwarted, saving his battalion from possible disaster. His sustained personal bravery and indomitable fighting spirit against overwhelming odds reflect the utmost glory upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the infantry and the military service. |