The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dale C. Billups (ASN: 0-2035288), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 32d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Afua, New Guinea, on 22 July 1944. When his patrol was halted by a numerically superior enemy force in fixed positions, Lieutenant Billups seized an automatic rifle, ran forward in the face of enemy fire, and killed two and wounded one of the enemy. When an enemy machine gun opened fire on the left flank of the patrol, he moved to a new position and fired on the machine gun position. Then, because of the enemy’s overwhelming strength, he ordered a withdrawal, remaining behind to cover his men. Lieutenant Billups moved to his patrol’s new position only after all his men had reached a point of safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.