Veterans clinic to be dedicated

CRAIG I The Craig Veterans TeleHealth Clinic will be dedicated to Maj. William Adams, Medal of Honor recipient, on July 20 at 10 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public. The clinic is located at 785 Russell St. in Craig.
Adams, a helicopter pilot, gave his life May 25, 1971, in service to his fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. Guests of honor at the dedication will be his widow Sandra Adams; son, Col. John Adams, U.S. Marine Corps, and daughter, Jeanne Wayne.
The dedication will be followed by an open house until 1 p.m. This will include demonstrations of the TeleHealth equipment and other services available at the clinic.
Information on eligibility to enroll for care at the clinic, or other Veteran Health Administration facilities, and assistance on accessing other veterans’ benefits will also be available.
The Craig veterans’ clinic currently serves about 600 veterans who live in and around Craig, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Rangely, Meeker and Baggs, Wyo.
Maj. Adams volunteered to fly a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to evacuate three seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force.
He made the decision with full knowledge that numerous antiaircraft weapons were positioned around the base and that the clear weather would afford the enemy gunners unobstructed view of all routes into the base.
“As he approached the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.
Undaunted by the fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying.
He landed the aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board.
As his aircraft departed from the fire base, it was struck and seriously damaged by enemy anti-aircraft fire and began descending.
Flying with exceptional skill, he immediately regained control of the crippled aircraft and attempted a controlled landing.
Despite his valiant efforts, the helicopter exploded, overturned, and plummeted to earth amid the hail of enemy fire.
Maj. Adams’ conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and humanitarian regard for his fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on him and the U S. Army.