The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Navy Award) to Captain Dana B. Billings, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Commander of a Heavy Bombardment Squadron. Captain Billings led his command on a bombardment attack against a strongly held enemy base, inflicting great damage to personnel and material. By his superior airmanship, courage, and determination he was highly instrumental in the success of a most difficult operation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Navy Award) to Major Dana B. Billings, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the line of his profession as Commander of a Heavy Bombardment Squadron. Major Billings led his command on a bombardment attack against the strongly held enemy bases on Nauru Island on 20 April 1943, and Tarawa Islands on 22 – 23 April 1943, inflicting great damage to personnel and material. By his superior airmanship, courage, and determination he was highly instrumental in the success of a most difficult operation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.