William E. Adams

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William Edward Adams
June 16, 1939 - May 25, 1971
Major William E. Adams
Place of birth	Casper, Wyoming
Place of death	Kontum, Vietnam
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	- Medal of Honor

William Edward Adams (June 16, 1939 - May 25, 1971) was a Major in the United States Army who was killed in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor.

[edit] Career

Adams was born in Casper, Wyoming and joined the U.S. Army in Kansas City, Missouri with the serial number 521482167. He began his tour in Vietnam on Monday, July 6, 1970. On 25 May 1971, Adams, a major, volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter mission to rescue three wounded soldiers from a besieged firebase in Kontum Province, despite the clear weather which would provide the numerous enemy anti-aircraft around the location with clear visibility. Despite fire from machine gun emplacements and rockets, Adams succeeded in landing at the firebase while supporting helicopter gunships attacked the enemy positions. After take off, however, the helicopter was hit by fire. Adams momentarily regained control and attempted to land, however the helicopter exploded in mid air and crashed. Adams, who was 31 at the time, was killed.