John Adam was born on December 22, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve on November 1, 1966, and went on active duty beginning January 18, 1967. Adam completed Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in March 1967, and Aircraft Loadmaster School at Sheppard AFB, Texas, in June 1967. After completing basic training and aircraft loadmaster school, Airman Adam was assigned to the 41st Troop Carrier Squadron (renamed 41st Tactical Airlift Squadron in August 1967) at Naha AB, Okinawa, in June 1967. He served as a C-130 Hercules loadmaster with the 41st TAS in Okinawa and deployed to Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, and was listed as missing in action when the aircraft he was aboard crashed in Laos on May 22, 1968. Adam was promoted through the ranks to Chief Master Sergeant before he was administratively declared dead on June 29, 1978. CMSgt Adam's remains were returned to the United States on May 29, 2002, and were positively ID'd on March 13, 2009.

The Airman's Creed:

I am an American Airman.
I am a Warrior.
I have answered my Nation's call.

I am an American Airman.
My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.
I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,
A Tradition of Honor,
And a Legacy of Valor.

I am an American Airman.
Guardian of Freedom and Justice,
My Nation's Sword and Shield,
Its Sentry and Avenger.
I defend my Country with my Life.

I am an American Airman.
Wingman, Leader, Warrior.
I will never leave an Airman behind,
I will never falter,
And I will not fail.