The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Radarman Second Class Billy Wayne Machen (NSN: 5211961), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a point man for Sea, Air, Land Team ONE (SEAL-1), in the Rung Sat Special Zone, Vietnam, on 19 August 1966. Petty Officer Machen led the team through Viet Cong territory in search of two camouflaged sampans reported by friendly elements. Coming upon a clearing in the dense jungle environment, he halted the patrol, proceeded into the clearing alone and, spotting an enemy ambush, chose to expose himself to hostile fire by firing his weapon on the enemy positions rather than retracing his steps and thereby compromising his team-members’ positions. By this courageous action, he enabled his comrades to seek cover, form a hasty defensive perimeter, and escape unharmed after suppressing the enemy fire. Mortally wounded when struck by the initial enemy fusillade, Petty Officer Machen, by his valiant and selfless actions, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.