He received a promotion to sergeant for his action in rescuing a wounded comrade at the Battle of Salem Church on May 3, 1863.

McAdams first found work as a shoemaker, but after the Battle of Fort Sumter, he enlisted into the 21st Pennsylvania Infantry.

During the Battle of Salem Church, his regiment was forced back to a defensive position in a field, leaving many wounded soldiers behind.

Among the injured, McAdams spotted one of his comrades and closest friends, Private Charles Smith.

[1] Citation: Went 250 yards in front of his regiment toward the position of the enemy and under fire brought within the lines a wounded and unconscious comrade.