The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Billy E. Vinson (ASN: 35654407), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. The platoon in which Private Vinson was an automatic rifleman was attacking in the Paco District of Manila on 9 February 1945, when suddenly, six Japanese riflemen appeared thirty feet to his right and charged forward with fixed bayonets. Warding off the leading enemy soldier’s bayonet thrust, Private Vinson fired and killed him. Quickly turning, he saw that his squad leader, though wounded, had killed an attacking rifleman. With great skill, speed and deadly accuracy Private Vinson killed the remaining four riflemen, some of them falling within five feet of him. Then, with his squad under orders to withdraw, Private Vinson remained alone, covering the evacuation of the wounded and withdrawal of his unit. When all had reached safety, he returned to his platoon. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.