Charles Benjamin Adams
Private Charles B. “Bud” Adams served with the Marine detachment aboard USS Houston (CA-30).
He was reported missing in action at the battle of Sunda Strait, Indonesia, on 1 March 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number 307367
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
Based on circumstances of loss, this individual is considered permanently non-recoverable.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
August 5, 1923
in Williams, CA
Parents
Albert Ralph Adams
Zella Lydia (Wright) Adams
Education
Gridley / Live Oak high schools
Occupation & Employer
High school student
Service Life
Entered Service
April 19, 1941
at San Francisco, CA
Home Of Record
2237½ 121st Street
Willowbrook, CA
Next Of Kin
Parents, Albert & Zella Adams
Military Specialty
Radioman
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Private Charles B. Adams was a Marine Corps radioman. He was en route for service at Cavite Navy Yard in the Philippine Islands when Pearl Harbor was attacked; Cavite fell soon after. Adams’ group of communicators was diverted to the USS Houston on 7 January 1942 and became part of the cruiser’s Marine detachment.
On the night of 28 February 1942, a small flotilla of Allied ships, including the Houston, was engaged by a superior Japanese fleet in the Java Sea. After a ferocious fight, the Houston went down in the waters of Sunda Strait. Several hundred of her complement escaped the sinking ship and struggled in the water for hours before being picked up and taken prisoner.
Private Adams was not seen after the sinking. His remains were never found, and he was declared dead on 15 December 1945.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered. The Houston wreck is considered his final resting place.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Albert & Zella Adams.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of the USSÂ Houston wreck site.
