The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant William K. Adams (MCSN: 496752), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Platoon of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 21 to 26 May 1945. Assuming command of the Platoon when his Leader was seriously wounded, Sergeant Adams reorganized a defensive position on an exposed knoll and, despite continuous heavy hostile mortar and sniper fire which caused severe casualties and prohibited all movement except by tanks, directed his unit in repulsing determined enemy counterattacks for five successive days. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.