Adam Sikes was born in Palo Alto, California, and spent his elementary years in Burlington, Massachusetts, before moving to Lake Zurich, Illinois. He graduated from Lake Zurich High School in 1995 where he was a standout football player and captain of his varsity wrestling team, qualifying for the IHSA Sectional for the Bears. Upon graduation, Adam joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served in infantry and reconnaissance units, serving numerous combat tours of duty in Bosnia, Iraq, and elsewhere in the Middle East. He was decorated for valor on multiple occasions and is the recipient of the Silver Star.

Following his military service, Adam attended Georgetown University, earning a bachelor's degree in International Affairs and then a master's degree in History. Adam was then recruited to work at the Central Intelligence Agency as a paramilitary operations officer. During his tenure at CIA, Adam conducted cover action and intelligence operations in Central Asia, East Africa, and Europe. After 25 years of service in the national security arena living and working around the world, Adam is now an accomplished author of espionage thrillers.

Adam’s debut novel, Landslide, was released in 2022, and his latest novel is The Underhanded, which was released in 2024. In addition to being an author, Adam has also worked with other writers as a developmental editor on books concerning the Kennedys and the Vietnam War, as well as forthcoming science fiction and fantasy novels. He’s collaborated with Robert Ludlum’s former editor, Richard Marek, and the professionals who brought Die Hard, Death Wish, and American Sniper from print to screen.

Adam is married with two children, and they now reside in Southern California.

SILVER STAR CITATION

“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 him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”