The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunner’s Mate Third Class Ivan LeRoy Bills (NSN: 6606123), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy off Okinawa, Nansei Shoto, 11 May 1945, as a member of the crew of an air defense gun on the U.S.S. HUGH W. HADLEY (DD-774). When the blast of a bomb caused Gunner’s Mate Third Class Bills and other members of the crew to be blown a considerable distance from their gun, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Bills re-manned his station and with outstanding courage and coolness resumed fire at an enemy plane diving at him and repeatedly hit the enemy plane whose crash finally resulted in his death. His courage, conduct, and outstanding performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.