The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Birney A. Adams (MCSN: 0-51495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 September 1951. When the unit was impeded by withering fire from a large bunker on commanding ground while he was leading his platoon in an attack against a heavily fortified hill position defended by a strong hostile force, Second Lieutenant Adams bravely charged forward through the devastating enemy fire and delivered effective rifle fire into the emplacement. Continuing his single-handed assault with hand grenades and a pistol, he succeeded in killing all the hostile troops within the bunker, enabling his platoon to maneuver toward its objective. Although painfully wounded by enemy shrapnel during the intensive action, he refused to accept medical treatment and continued to move forward with his unit until the objective had been secured and a defense line established. By his courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to the fulfillment of his mission, Second Lieutenant Adams served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by the company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.