The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Billie W. Martin (MCSN: 508088), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company D, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1952. When a tank was disabled by an enemy mine while participating in a combat patrol and a retriever was also disabled by a mine while approaching the damaged tank, Technical Sergeant Martin courageously exposed himself to intense hostile mortar and small arms fire to repair the retriever and send it back to a defiladed position. Guiding three patrol tanks to the scene, he directed the proper cable connections and guided the column back to a covered position. Although constantly exposed to heavy enemy fire, he worked calmly and skillfully for two hours to retrieve the valuable tank. By his indomitable courage, initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Technical Sergeant Martin served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.