The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Adam R. Sikes, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Sergeant, First Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, Regimental combat Team 5, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 12 April 2003. During the Battle of At Tarmiyah, Staff Sergeant Sikes’ platoon was pinned down by heavy small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire in the opening moments of the fight. Without orders, Staff Sergeant Sikes quickly rallied two of his squads and set them into position to suppress the enemy and prepare them to counter attack. With the squads in position, Staff Sergeant Sikes charged alone across 70 meters of fire-swept ground to close on the first enemy strongpoint, which he cleared with a grenade and rifle fire. Moving to the roof of a three-story building that was exposed to enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Sikes skillfully adjusted 60-millimeter mortar rounds into nearby enemy positions. The rounds isolated the town from enemy reinforcement and decimated an enemy position in the nearby tree line. Upon learning that another squad had taken casualties, Staff Sergeant Sikes moved to their position. With wounded Marines in a small compound, cut off by the enemy, Staff Sergeant Sikes signaled an assault amphibian vehicle and directed their evacuation while under a hail of small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Sikes reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.