The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Linwood W. Billings (ASN: 0-407917), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. Upon returning from his company’s command post, Lieutenant Billings discovered that strong enemy forces were subjecting his platoon to intense fire. Lieutenant Billings proceeded through close range machine gun fire to his platoon, reorganized it, and skillfully repulsed the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.


