The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Billy B. Vance (ASN: RA-14299897), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 15 August 1950, near Kuel, Korea. The platoon of which Private Vance was a member had attacked and taken a hill. During an intense counterattack by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, the platoon was forced to withdraw. Heavy fire from the flank and rear threatened to prevent the withdrawal of the platoon and the wounded. Private Vance established himself in a commanding position on high ground and with grenade and rifle fire held off the enemy while his comrades completed their withdrawal. By his gallantry, Private Vance enabled his platoon to extricate itself from certain encirclement and to take the wounded members back to safety. This act of conspicuous gallantry on the part of Private Vance reflects the highest possible credit on himself and the military service.