The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant William H. Billings (MCSN: 0-23821), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Bismarck Archipelago Islands Area from 1 April 1944 to 9 April 1944. First Lieutenant Billings completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

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 to First Lieutenant William H. Billings (MCSN: 0-23821), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Bismarck Archipelago Islands Area from 8 October 1944 to 31 October 1944. First Lieutenant Billings completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.