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 Billy Ray Davenport (ASN: RA-18346684), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 195 in the vicinity of Hyong Dyong Myon, Korea. The rifle company to which he was attached as mortar forward observer was under intense enemy artillery fire preparatory to an attack. Sergeant Davenport, who occupied an observation post in front of the rifle company, lost his assistant in the initial phases of the assault. Although communications to his mortars had been destroyed by the enemy’s artillery barrage, he remained at his post and single-handedly staved off repeated enemy drives with his carbine. Standing fully exposed and displaying complete indifference for his personal safety, he poured bursts of automatic fire into the advancing enemy ranks hurling them back and affording the rifle company sufficient time to reorganize its main line of resistance. His heroic actions in slowing the enemy assault was instrumental in the final repulse of the enemy. Sergeant Davenport’s gallantry on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.