HUGH D. ADAIR, JR., 2LT, USMC
Hugh Adair, Jr. '48
Lucky Bag
From the 1948 Lucky Bag:
HUGH DONALD ADAIR, JR.
Long Beach, California
Nobody has ever quite figured Adair out . . . somewhere he picked up the handle Cactus Jack and that only lends fuel to the fire of mystery which surrounds him . . . this level-headed character has plenty of rumors tacked on him that may be clues to the real story behind his calm outer shell. Some say he rode the western range as a deputy sheriff when he was still in his middle teens ... he comes from Atlanta and has a lush southern drawl that fits perfectly with his reserved nature and untouchable poise. Erect posture . . . alert appearance . . . militaristic air about his actions and manners . . . we wonder sometimes if Jack's blissful innocence and gullible attitude aren't just a clever guise to give us an occasional laugh. Quiet . . . serious to the nth degree . . . and, ironically enough, just a slightly different sense of humor . . . can never quite understand what amuses him . . . but amused he is, upon occasion Cactus is a conscientious worker and finds time for much that isn't included in the regular schedule . . . has a nice build earned through many hours of exercise and energetic participation in the more manly sports . . . Cactus is really an interesting classmate and we've always had loads of fun with him ... his trail will not be the beaten path.
Hugh was a member of the Wardroom Panel. He graduated from the 9th Company with the class of 1948-B in June 1948. (The top half of the class academically, designated 1948-A, graduated in June 1947 as the last wartime-accelerated class.)
HUGH DONALD ADAIR, JR.
Long Beach, California
Nobody has ever quite figured Adair out . . . somewhere he picked up the handle Cactus Jack and that only lends fuel to the fire of mystery which surrounds him . . . this level-headed character has plenty of rumors tacked on him that may be clues to the real story behind his calm outer shell. Some say he rode the western range as a deputy sheriff when he was still in his middle teens ... he comes from Atlanta and has a lush southern drawl that fits perfectly with his reserved nature and untouchable poise. Erect posture . . . alert appearance . . . militaristic air about his actions and manners . . . we wonder sometimes if Jack's blissful innocence and gullible attitude aren't just a clever guise to give us an occasional laugh. Quiet . . . serious to the nth degree . . . and, ironically enough, just a slightly different sense of humor . . . can never quite understand what amuses him . . . but amused he is, upon occasion Cactus is a conscientious worker and finds time for much that isn't included in the regular schedule . . . has a nice build earned through many hours of exercise and energetic participation in the more manly sports . . . Cactus is really an interesting classmate and we've always had loads of fun with him ... his trail will not be the beaten path.
Hugh was a member of the Wardroom Panel. He graduated from the 9th Company with the class of 1948-B in June 1948. (The top half of the class academically, designated 1948-A, graduated in June 1947 as the last wartime-accelerated class.)
Loss
Hugh was killed in action on October 2, 1950 while leading his rifle platoon on an assault of North Korean positions south of Uijongbu, Korea.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Hugh was born in Seattle, Washington where his father, a U. S. Army officer, was stationed at the University of Washington as an instructor. His mother was Ruth.
In 1930, Hugh lived in Fort Francis, Wyoming; in 1936 Detroit, and in 1939 Honolulu. In 1940, his father was stationed in Macon, Georgia; and in 1941-1942, his father was temporary commander at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. He then transferred to Phoenix, Arizona.
In May 1942, Hugh passed the local naval recruiting test at Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria in June 1942. He then attended Georgia School of Technology. He also attended Sullivan School in Washington, D. C.
On leave from the Naval Academy in June 1945, Hugh visited his parents in Atlanta, Georgia.
The British Ambassador Inverchapel visited the Academy on January 6, 1948. To return the favor in February, Hugh and several midshipmen were guests of Ambassador Inverchapel and his wife at a buffet supper at the British Embassy.
From the Des Moines Tribune, June 7, 1951: Marine 2nd Lt. Hugh D. Adair, Jr., who dived on an enemy grenade in Korea to protect the lives of men in his platoon, will be buried in Arlington national cemetery Friday afternoon. …
A regimental officer wrote the family about Lieutenant Adair’s death last October 2. He said an enemy force counterattacked a ravine held by Lieutenant Adair and nine men.
The officer wrote that an enemy grenade landed in their midst and Lieutenant Adair gave the order “take cover,” then dived on the grenade. He died instantly.
From the Atlanta Constitution, June 7, 1951: He served at Quantico, Va., and Camp Lejeune, N. C., until his transfer to Korea with the Seventh Marines, a regiment commanded by Col. Homer L. Litzenberg, of Washington D. C. Lt. Adair was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the Army-Navy Country Club.
Hugh was survived by his parents.
Photographs
1948-B 9th Company from the Lucky Bag
Silver Star
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Hugh Donald Adair, Jr. (MCSN: 0-49616), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces south of Uijongbu, Korea, on 2 October 1950. Assigned the mission of seizing the crest of a precipitous hill defended by a fiercely resisting enemy deeply entrenched in well-camouflaged positions, Second Lieutenant Adair boldly led his unit in a vigorous assault against the hostile stronghold until pinned down near the crest of the hill by a barrage of heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Fearlessly charging the enemy, he inspired his platoon to launch a vigorous attack, overrun the hostile emplacements and rout the enemy. In order to hold the newly won position, he established a hasty defense and, while personally reconnoitering in front of his own line, was mortally wounded by hostile grenades. His aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty were contributing factors in the seizure of the platoon's objective and reflect great credit upon Second Lieutenant Adair and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: October 2, 1950
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Company: Company C
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 7th Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Note
Several different sites claim he was awarded the Navy Cross (and do not list his Silver Star); that appears to be incorrect.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
