The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Roy M. Billings (NSN: 0-95317), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an enemy submarine and aerial attacks, as Commander of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard on board the S.S. NATHANIEL GREENE from 13 September to 21 September 1942. During a week of almost continuous attack by German submarines and torpedo bombing planes, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Billings, with dauntless courage and marked ability, directed the fire of his men with great success and contributed in large part to the destruction of at least eight enemy planes. When his ship, rocked by explosion and with shrapnel and debris covering the deck, dropped temporarily out of the convoy, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Billings and his heroic crew remained at their battle-torn gun stations and continued to fight. His superb leadership and the courageous devotion to duty of the men under his command throughout the voyage reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.