Stanley Taylor Adams

Rank: Master Sergeant (rank at time of action: Sergeant First Class)

Conflict/Era: Korean War

Unit/Command: 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division

Military Service Branch: U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Action Date: February 4, 1951

Medal of Honor Action Place: Sesim-ni, Korea

M/Sgt. Adams, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy. At approximately 0100 hours M/Sgt. 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 three sides pressed the platoon back against the main line of resistance. Observing approximately 150 hostile troops silhouetted against the skyline advancing against his platoon, M/Sgt. 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 M/Sgt. 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 four 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 M/Sgt. 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. M/Sgt. 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.

Accredited to: Olathe, Johnson County, Kansas

Awarded Posthumously: No

Presentation Date & Details: July 5, 1951, The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman

Born: May 9, 1922, DeSoto, Johnson County, KS, United States

Died: April 19, 1999, Bend, OR, United States

Buried: Willamette National Cemetery , Portland, OR, United States

Read more at www.CMOHS.org