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 Billie B. Sutton (ASN: 6578596), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Radio Operator of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, while participating in bombing missions during the period 10 through 14 April 1942, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine islands. Sergeant Sutton participated in a daring 4-day mission under the command of Brigadier General Ralph Royce, who led a flight of seven B-25Cs and three B-17s from Australia to a staging field at Del Monte on Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. Over the following two days the B-25’s and B-17’s attacked the many ships and the docks at Cebu, the air and harbor facilities at Davao, and Nichols Field on Luzon. The B-25 Mitchell’s were involved in over twenty sorties. They sank one Japanese transport and possibly two others. They also shot down three Japanese aircraft. All but one of the aircraft returned to Australia without the loss of a single flyer, and they brought out a number of important military and diplomatic personnel who had gathered at Del Monte to await evacuation. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant during this period have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Billie B. Sutton (ASN: 6578596), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Radio Operator and Top Turret Gunner of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 435th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Far East Air Force, during aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Area, over Buna, New Guinea, on 25 July 1942. Sergeant Sutton’s bomber was on a patrol and reconnaissance mission over Buna. The plane was flying at a low altitude, when it was intercepted by fifteen Zeros and had to fight an engagement which lasted for forty-five minutes. During the encounter, three enemy fighters were shot down and much damage was done to several others. Sergeant Sutton was wounded during the action, but remained at his gun and assisted in driving off each attack. His gallantry and devotion to duty resulted in much destruction to the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Sutton, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.