In every sense a hero, Bob “Doc” Adams of Winfield, Illinois will finally receive hero status from the U.S. Military.
Just over 51-years-ago, Adams was a medic in Vietnam. During an enemy mortar attack, he saved a seriously wounded soldier. For the courage he showed, Adams will receive the Bronze Star for Valor. He’ll attend the 244th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10 in San Diego, California and formally receive the Medal for his actions in combat in KheSanh Vietnam on May 11, 1968. In 2016, the battalion commander learned of Doc’s courageous action and moved forward to get the Bronze Star for him.
“I actually think that I appreciate it more now than I would have 51 years ago,” Adams said.
Adams celebrates every year with the soldier he saved.
“Jim and I are still friends, 51 years later. We still talk to each other every year, especially on May 11, a day he was wounded so badly,” he said.
Adams tells the story as though he were right there in Vietnam in the middle of a motor attack and he spots the grievously wounded Marine on the ground.
“I weighed 100 pounds and he weighed 160 pounds. He was 6’4” and I couldn’t move him. No one could come and help because it was a mortar barrage and so I got over the top of him to keep him from getting hurt worse,” Adams remembered.
When the mortar barrage ended, Jim was moved to a place where he could medivac out of there. You’ll see just a hint of a smile on Doc’s face. He thanks God for the good outcome. Doc was only nicked from everything flying around him.
Several members of Doc’s family and a number of his “comrades” in the Marines will join him for the Marines birthday and medal ceremony in San Diego. Doc is an emotional human being. “There will be a few tears.” (The day of the medal ceremony).
Doc Adams went on to co-found the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton. Adams served as board president of the Shelter for ten years. He trained to become a licensed clinical social worker(LCSW) and works in private practice, providing help for veterans. He also has specialized training in working with veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
