Donald E. Adams
United States Korean War flying ace
About Donald E. Adams
Lived 1921 – 1952 (aged 31). Donald E. Adams was an American air force officer.
Donald E. Adams (February 23, 1921 – August 30, 1952) was a United States Air Force flying ace during the Korean War.
He was born in Caton, New York. After earning a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan College in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He was awarded a Silver Star for leading a squadron of six against 20 "MIG type aircraft" on May 3 and downing two of the enemy.
Transferred back to the United States, Adams was killed in a Detroit airshow crash on August 30, 1952, making him one of only two Korean War flying aces to die before the end of the war, the other being George A. Davis, Jr. Major Adams and his radar operator died after a wing tore off their Northrop F-89 Scorpion.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Donald E. Adams's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Donald E. Adams?
United States Korean War flying ace (1921-1952)
When was Donald E. Adams born?
Donald E. Adams was born on 23 February 1921 in Caton.
When did Donald E. Adams die?
Donald E. Adams died on 30 August 1952 in Detroit.
What was Donald E. Adams's occupation?
Donald E. Adams was an air force officer.
What nationality was Donald E. Adams?
Donald E. Adams was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Donald E. Adams. https://biography.guide/donald-e-adams/
MLA: "Donald E. Adams." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/donald-e-adams/.
Chicago: "Donald E. Adams." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/donald-e-adams/.
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