The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Billy R. Armer (MCSN: 1196747), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 27 April 1968, Sergeant Armer volunteered to take charge of the point squad and lead the company into a blocking position northeast of Lai An in Quang Tri Province. While his squad was advancing, the Marines suddenly came under a heavy volume of North Vietnamese automatic weapons and grenade fire which seriously wounded several Marines, including Sergeant Armer. Ignoring his painful head wound, Sergeant Armer quickly rallied his men, directed them into defensive positions, and began to aid his injured companions. As the enemy attempted to assault his position, he directed intense suppressive fire which halted the attack. Then, moving across the fire-swept terrain, he led a relief unit forward to assist the besieged squad. When the hostile fire was partially suppressed, Sergeant Armer directed the evacuation of the wounded to the rear and assisted in organizing a defensive perimeter and preparing a landing zone. Although weak from his injury and in excruciating pain, he continued to provide security and assist the wounded, accepting aid for himself only when assured that all other casualties had been treated and medically evacuated. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Armer upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.