[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MAJOR WILLIAM EDWARD ADAMS TRIBUTE

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                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere honor to stand and pay 
tribute to a heroic American who was awarded our nation's highest honor 
for his conspicuous gallantry in the Kontum Province in the Central 
Highlands of Vietnam. Major William Edward Adams is an inspiration to 
every citizen of our great nation, and a reminder to all Americans that 
some will sacrifice everything to preserve our way of life.
  Maj. Adams was born in Casper, Wyoming, and raised in Craig, 
Colorado. He went to high school in Missouri at the Wentworth Military 
Academy. He graduated from Colorado State University, where he also met 
his future wife Sandra Adams. Upon graduation he joined the United 
States Army. Major Adams was deployed to Vietnam in 1970.
  On May 25th, 1971, Maj. Adams willingly volunteered for a helicopter 
rescue mission that would undoubtedly endanger his lightly armored 
aircraft and his life. The mission was to fly into a remote fire base 
that was under heavy attack to pick up three critically wounded 
soldiers. Maj. Adams was fully aware of the advantageous position of 
the enemy's formidable anti-aircraft guns; as well as the clear skies 
that would provide no cover from the imminent barrage. While directing 
and coordinating fire support from other attack helicopters, Major 
Adams landed his aircraft and picked up the three wounded soldiers. As 
he began his return flight, Maj. Adams' helicopter was bombarded with 
enemy rocket and gunfire. He calmly regained control of the aircraft, 
and prepared to make an emergency landing, but the helicopter exploded 
before Maj. Adams could touch down. For these actions, Major William 
Edward Adams posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me pride to know that I have fellow countrymen 
who are capable of such selfless feats of bravery. It has been a true 
privilege to rise and pay tribute to Maj. William Edward Adams.

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