Robert-H-Adams

Adams arrived at Fort Campbell, KY in 1967 and was assigned to 2nd Platoon. He went with A Company to South Vietnam, December 1967. He presently lives in University Place, WA.

Medals and Awards

Combat Infantryman Badge
Silver Star - with 1 Oak Leaf Clusters
Bronze Star
Purple Heart - action in combat earned him the Purple Heart. For wounds received in action.
(HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 9297)
National Defense Service
Vietnam Service
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Jump Wings

SILVER STAR

Information provided by Ryan P. Niebuhr CW2, AD
2nd Brigade Historian
101st Airborne Division
19 February 1968

1LT Robert H. Adams Jr. was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 February 1968. First Lieutenant Adams distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader with Company A, 2d Battalion, 501st Infantry. Company A was conducting combat operations eight kilometers west of Hue, Republic of Vietnam, and was advancing upon a wooded area over open rice paddies when the second platoon, under First Lieutenant Adams, broke contact with the company and veered to the left. Shortly the remainder of the company came under a withering hail of enemy rocket propelled grenade, machine gun, and automatic weapons fire from well fortified bunker positions in trenches to the company’s front. First Lieutenant Adams’ platoon was advancing obliquely from the left and initially avoided the fire thus providing them with an opportunity to flank the enemy bunkers. But as they approached they were taken under heavy machine gun fire from a bunker to their front. First Lieutenant Adams, with utter disregard for his own safety, rallied his men and led them in a fierce attack, First Lieutenant Adams himself charging the bunker with a pistol and grenades, knocking out the machine gun. Fire from other enemy positions now engulfed the platoon, yet First Lieutenant Adams, undaunted by the severity of the fire, personally led his men forward and overran a second position, silencing all the direct fire on the remainder of the company, while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and capturing a number of weapons and documents. First Lieutenants Adams’ fierce offensive spirit and unreserved courage in the face of devastating enemy fire was an inspiration to his men and was greatly responsible for the total success of the ensuing assault. His initiative and devotion to duty were surpassed only by his personal valor. First Lieutenant Adams’ exceptional gallantry is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(HQ, 101st ABN DIV. General Orders Number 2016; 26 June 1968)

BRONZE STAR

20 February 1968

1LT Robert H. Adams Jr. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in ground combat in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 February 1968. First Lieutenant Adams (Then Second Lieutenant) distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry. Company A and Company C was engaged in a multi-unit search and clear operation in the vicinity of Hue, Republic of Vietnam. The entire unit was proceeding through a vast expanse of rice paddies toward a graveyard which was somewhat raised above the level of the paddies. Because it was a strategic position, the area was to be cleared before the companies set up for the night. Suddenly sniper fire erupted form the high ground, wounding three men with initial burst fire. Lieutenant Adams, the second platoon leader, quickly saw that because of the sniper’s positions, the command groups of both companies were in extreme danger. Lieutenant Adams rallied his men together to form an assault line and with complete disregard for his own safety, led the charge on the enemy that resulted in killing several North Vietnamese Soldiers while sustaining no further casualties among his platoon. Due to Lieutenant Adams quick reactions and refusal to panic in the face of deadly enemy fire, the enemy force was annihilated and the loss of friendly personnel was kept to a minimum. Lieutenant Adams’ personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(HQ, 101st ABN DIV, General Orders Number 6763; 2 October 1968)

(Pictures are from 1967-1968)

Cu Chi

Lt. Adams smoking pipe

Lt Adams, a child in his arms, Ralph Sisk with M-79 in foreground.

Cu Chi

Platoon Leaders - Shaw - Rodelli - Adams