Photographic History of the United States Navy
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NavSource Naval History Photographic History of the United States Navy |
DESTROYER ARCHIVE |
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Size | Image Description | Contributed By |
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| 45k | Samuel Adams was born at Northampton, Massachusetts, on 10 April 1912. Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1935, he was designated a Naval Aviator in January 1939. He joined Bombing Squadron Five (VB-5) on USS Yorktown (CV-5) in May 1939 and served with that unit through the first six months of the Pacific war. On 4 June 1942, during a Battle of Midway scouting flight, Lieutenant Adams located the Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu, a vital contribution to the destruction of that ship. On the following day, while attacking the Japanese destroyer Tanikaze, he lost his life when his SBD aircraft was shot down. Lieutenant Samuel Adams was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Midway. Photograph taken at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, 31 January 1938, while he was in flight training. Photograph from the Bureau of Personnel Collection in the U.S. National Archives (# 80-PA-1A-22.). | Fabio Peņa | |
| THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in commending the UNITED STATES SHIP ADAMS for service as follows: "For outstanding heroism in action while serving as Flagship of Mine Division EIGHT during operations for the seizure of enemy Japanese-held Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from March 24 to April 1, 1945. Operating in dangerous waters protected by enemy mines and numerous suicide craft, the U.S.S. ADAMS rendered distinctive service in providing effective air cover for our minesweeper groups against hostile attack by air, surface, submarine and shore fire. A natural and frequent target for heavy Japanese aerial attack, she was constantly vigilant and read for battle, fighting her guns valiantly to down seven planes and one probable. Severally damaged by a near miss when three enemy planes attacked on April 1, the U.S.S. ADAMS, by her own aggressiveness and the courage and skill of her officers and men, contributed to the success of the Okinawa invasion, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. ADAMS from March 24 to April 1, 1945, are authorized to wear the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Ribbon. John L. Sullivan Secretary of the Navy | ||||
| 95k | Undated, location unknown. In Minesweeper configuration. | Dana Welch | |
| 89k | As DM-27 off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, in late June 1945, following repair of Kamikaze damage. Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives. | Fred Weiss | |
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