The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Lester B. Billheimer (NSN: 206113), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LCI(L) 188 during the amphibious invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943 and the assault on Italy on 9 September 1943. During the invasion of Sicily the LCI(L) 188, loaded with troops and mortar equipment, struck a san bar when nearing the assault beach. Ensign Billheimer, while subjected to heavy enemy fire, with great courage expertly maneuvered his ship clear and safely landed the troops on the assigned beach, thereby materially contributing to the invasion. Later, during the invasion of Italy, his ship was ordered to the beach ahead of schedule in order to reinforce a position that was under heavy enemy attack. With great skill and expert seamanship, Ensign Billheimer beached his ship and in record time discharged the embarked troops, thereby greatly contributing to the success of the invasion of Italy. The prompt and decisive action, fearless leadership under fire, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Ensign Billheimer were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.