Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Edward Baxter Billingsley (NSN: 0-71405), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. EMMONS (DD-457), during the amphibious assault on Normandy and the bombardment of Cherbourg, France, in June 1944. Skilled and courageous in the performance of duty, Commander Billingsley maneuvered his ship through heavily mined waters under accurately controlled gunfire from enemy shore batteries to fulfill his assigned missions. Later he directed the deliver of accurate gunfire on enemy fortifications and gun emplacements and, in addition screened heavy ships and protected them from enemy surface forces and submarines. By his professional ability, courage and devotion to duty, Commander Billingsley contributed materially to the success of our forces during these vital phases of the European War and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Emmons (DD-457)

    Action Date:

    August 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Edward Baxter Billingsley (NSN: 0-71405), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. EMMONS (DD-457), prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France, in August 1944. An experienced and efficient leader, Commander Billingsley exhibited skill and resourcefulness in directing the thorough training of his crew and in bringing his ship to a peak of operational efficiency in preparation for the assault. Prior to the initial landings, he led the EMMONS through dangerous and restricted waters close to known enemy minefields and within easy range of hostile shore artillery, and delivered concentrated and accurate bombardment fire against all enemy strongpoints in the area, silencing them before effective counterfire could be returned. By his initiative and leadership, Commander Billingsley was largely responsible for the successful pre-assault bombardments of the EMMONS, thereby contributing materially to the early and successful establishment of the Allied beachheads and to the over-all success of the invasion. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Billingsley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)