The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Ensign Leland Raymond Billings, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as co-pilot flying an armored SH-3A helicopter on a pre-briefed known hazardous SAR mission on 23 May 1967 in direct support of combat operations against North Vietnam forces while serving with and attached to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO, SAR Detachment, temporarily embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). A prior attempt to rescue an airman down 35 miles north-northeast of Haiphong was unsuccessful due to very heavy concentration of enemy ground fire. The rescue helicopter had been severely damaged and both crewmen injured. Knowing of the hazards involved, Ensign Billings voluntarily acted as co-pilot and distinguished himself in gallant actions which led to the successful rescue of the downed airman. Showing confidence, zeal and an incessant devotion to duty, Ensign Billings skillfully searched with his eyes and ears and when he heard the aviator transmit on his survival radio, calmly requested information from the downed airman and at the same time positioned the RESCAP for maximum effectiveness. Through operational expertise Ensign Billings located the survivor utilizing relative radio signal strength and verbally directed the helicopter to the pick-up area. When heavy ground fire encompassed his hovering helicopter, Ensign Billings accurately and expeditiously directed the RESCAP aircraft to the areas of ground fire concentrations, all the while professionally executing his normal co-pilot duties. During the transit out to international waters Ensign Billings displayed exceptional skill in directing the pilot around anti-aircraft concentrations and while at the controls positioned the helicopter for a final landing flying on a single engine in order to conserve fuel. By daring action, exceptional skill and loyal devotion to duty Ensign Billings upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.