Arthur H. Adams – Major General, United States Marine Corps

From a contemporary press report:

On February 6, 1999, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, MAJOR GENERAL ARTHUR H. ADAMS, USMC, (Ret.), at the age of 83.

General Adams began his distinguished 38 year career in Marine Corps aviation when he pursued his passion for flying by enlisting in the Marine Corps Air Reserve in 1936. He was designated a Naval Aviator and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1939 and subsequently flew combat air missions in the Pacific during World War II. He was among the first to fly support operations at Guadalcanal. He later commanded fighter squadron VMF311 in the Korean War.

General Adams served as Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, (Honolulu), during the Vietnam War. His career was also marked by his appointment as Senior Member, United Nations Armistice Commission at Panmanjom, Korea during 1969, when he was tasked with and successfully negotiated the safe return of the crew of the downed US helicopter held captive by the North Koreans.

Among other noteworthy commands held by General Adams were Commanding General, 3rd Marine Air Wing (El Toro, CA), Commanding General, 4th Marine Air Wing (Glenview, IL), Commander of the Marine Air Group-11 (Atsugi, Japan) and fighter squadrons 311 and 322. He also served as Director of Information, Headquarters Marine Corps and on the staff of the U.S. European Command, Paris, France.

General Adams is best remembered among those who served with him for his steadfast dedication to the progress of Marine Corps aviation and for his inspirational and compassionate leadership to those under his command.

During his career, he attended the Navy Test Pilot Training School, Patuxent River, Maryland, and the Air War College, Maxwell AIr Force Base, Alabama. A highly decorated Marine Aviator, his personal decorations include two Legions of Merit medals, five Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Bronze Stars with Combat V. He was also a member of the Golden Eagles.

After retiring in Norfolk, VA, he enjoyed a second career in law office managements with Willcox and Savage and served as a consultant to local law firms and bar associations.

General Adams was born in Jasper, Minnesota in 1915 and was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He was married for 58 years to the former Kathleen (Katie) Watson of Minneapolis, MN, who died in 1997.

Survivors include his wife, Josephine Hillegas Adams, and four children, Frederick Adams, Kathleen Baczko, Melissa Tully, Judith Halter, and 13 grandchildren.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 16, 1999 at Our Lady of Victory Chapel, Naval Base Norfolk. Burial with full military honors will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, February 17, 1999 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 09543-3008.

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