The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Billy Joe Boegen (NSN: 3566957), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Director Operator for a forty millimeter mount on board the Destroyer U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), during operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Okinawa on 12 April 1945. After he had assisted in the control of guns which destroyed two planes, his ship was struck by another plane, seriously wounding him and damaging his director. Despite his injuries, he courageously remained at his station and aided in directing the gun battery in shooting down another plane attacking his ship. His courage and disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.