The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Billy C. Marks (MCSN: 0-10913), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer attached to the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kimpo, Korea, on 28 September 1950. While flying in an unarmed aircraft over enemy lines, Second Lieutenant Marks braved intense hostile anti-aircraft fire to successfully coordinate friendly ground and air forces in the destruction of the opposition. Discovering camouflaged enemy guns firing on our forces, he directed accurate artillery fire which forced the hostile troops to disperse. Undaunted by severe ground resistance, he remained over the retreating convoy to keep it under constant surveillance while he contacted a flight of close air support planes by radio. Despite a shortage of fuel, he boldly continued to direct air strikes on hidden enemy troops and equipment until the destruction of the hostile force was completed. His marked courage, professional skill and unswerving devotion to duty were contributing factors in the elimination of ten hostile trucks, four heavy artillery pieces and approximately fifty of the enemy, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Marks and the United States Naval Service.