Army Pfc. Michael S. Adams

Died August 21, 2003 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

20, of Spartanburg, S.C.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany; died on Aug. 21 in Baghdad, Iraq. Adams was participating in a small-arms-fire exercise on the range when a bullet ricocheted and ignited a fire in the building. He died as a result of injuries sustained during the fire.
 

Although they were eight years apart, Michael and Matt Adams were always close. After the younger Michael went into the Army — and following the Sept. 11 attacks — his older brother decided to join, too.

“Michael loved it, and that’s why I do,” said the 28-year-old Matt Adams, who is stationed in Korea.

Pfc. Michael Scott Adams, 20, died Aug. 21 from smoke inhalation when a fire erupted in a building during a training exercise in Iraq.

Adams, of Spartansburg, S.C., was stationed in Germany. Adams joined the Army in 2001 after graduation from high school.

“Michael was an unassuming fellow with a wonderful big, big, smile,” said Gloria Close, Adams’ guidance counselor. “He gave his best at every thing he did.” Adams is also survived by his parents and a sister.

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Spartanburg soldier dies in training accident in Iraq

Associated Press

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — An Upstate soldier has been killed in a fire at a shooting range in Iraq, his father says.

Army Pfc. Michael Scott Adams, 20, died Aug. 21 from smoke inhalation during a training exercise in Baghdad, his father, Richard Adams said.

“He couldn’t get out of the building,” Richard Adams said.

Michael Adams was assigned to the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany, and was an armor crewman on a tank.

He seemed destined for a military career. His brother, Matt, is a second lieutenant stationed in Korea, and his father earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam.

“It was what he said he wanted to do,” Richard Adams said. “He was really making us proud.”

Michael Adams graduated in 2001 from Dorman High School.

“Michael was an unassuming fellow with a wonderful big, big, smile,” said Gloria Close, Adams’ middle and high school guidance counselor. “He gave his best at every thing he did.”

Michael Adams is the second member of the military from Spartanburg County to die in Iraq. Marine Pvt. Nolen Ryan Hutchings of Boiling Springs was killed in a friendly fire incident March 23.