The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Adam J. Banks, Jr. (MCSN: 1579708), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 8 November 1967, during Operation Essex in Quang Nam Province, Company M came under intense small arms and mortar fire from a well entrenched force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars and, in the ensuing engagement, Staff Sergeant BANKS became separated from his platoon commander. Realizing that many Marines had moved across a river on their right flank in order to reach more advantageous positions, upon reaching the location, Staff Sergeant BANKS unhesitatingly assumed command of the beleaguered force of approximately seventy men and immediately began organizing a perimeter defense. Skillfully deploying the Marines while shouting directions and words of encouragement, he expeditiously consolidated his position and resolutely prepared his men for a possible attack by the North Vietnamese soldiers. After deploying his men to provide covering fire, Staff Sergeant BANKS disregarded his own safety and moved forward of the small perimeter to move several wounded comrades to the relative safety of his unit’s location. Subsequently, the North Vietnamese launched an aggressive attack on the Marine position, utilizing small arms, hand grenades and mortar fire. Ignoring the hostile fire around him, Staff Sergeant BANKS fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain, directing the fire of his men and resupplying them with ammunition. Largely due to his outstanding professional skill, the determined enemy unit was forced to discontinue their attack and withdraw. Throughout the remainder of the night, he moved among his men, ensuring that there was maximum security and fire power to repulse any subsequent attacks. By his inspiring leadership, calm presence of mind and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant BANKS contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.