The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Edward Baxter Billingsley (NSN: 0-71405), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. EMMONS (DD-457), prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France, in August 1944. An experienced and efficient leader, Commander Billingsley exhibited skill and resourcefulness in directing the thorough training of his crew and in bringing his ship to a peak of operational efficiency in preparation for the assault. Prior to the initial landings, he led the EMMONS through dangerous and restricted waters close to known enemy minefields and within easy range of hostile shore artillery, and delivered concentrated and accurate bombardment fire against all enemy strongpoints in the area, silencing them before effective counterfire could be returned. By his initiative and leadership, Commander Billingsley was largely responsible for the successful pre-assault bombardments of the EMMONS, thereby contributing materially to the early and successful establishment of the Allied beachheads and to the over-all success of the invasion. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Billingsley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)