The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Billy J. Barber (ASN: RA-13433945), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Platoon Sergeant Barber distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 August 1968 while serving as the Aero rifle Platoon Sergeant of Troop A, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade, on a reconnaissance in force mission. After his unit had been inserted to block a possible enemy escape route, they came into heavy contact with a Viet Cong force and Sergeant Barber courageously exposed himself to the hostile fire as he maneuvered his men in an assault on the enemy emplacements. After he had secured this area, another unit was inserted and he and his men were moved to another area where they again made contact. When the enemy tried to outflank them in their new position, Sergeant Barber again exposed himself to the hostile fire as he directed gunship strikes, which halted the enemy advance. Platoon Sergeant Barber’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.