The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Billie W. Slayton, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 8th Aerial Port Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in action against the enemy at Katum Special Forces Camp, Republic of Vietnam on 24 September 1968. On that date, Sergeant Slayton repeatedly exposed himself to intense and accurately directed hostile ground fire while controlling incoming re-supply aircraft bringing vital munitions and supplies to the beleaguered camp. Sergeant Slayton assisted in de-rigging the dropped loads and removing them to the security of the camp. Sergeant Slayton later that day manned a machine gun position that saw an intense ground probe thwarted within 70 yards of his position. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Slayton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.