Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade (Rein.)

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1950

    General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 74 (November 28, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Frank Bond Billings, Jr. (MCSN: 1074062), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Yongsan, Korea, on 3 September 1950. While his company was pinned down by rifle and heavy machine gun fire near the top of a hill, Private Billings, with complete disregard for his personal safety, fearlessly moved forward alone, drawing fire from two enemy machine- guns that were holding up the company’s advance. Although exposed to intense enemy fire, he coolly and methodically killed the enemy one by one as they attempted to man their guns, accounting for eight dead and two machine-guns out of action. When his platoon had advanced to join him, other enemy machine- guns opened fire. Unable to locate them, Private Billings again and on his own initiative, courageously crawled forward alone. While marking the enemy positions for his comrades with bursts from his own weapon, he was killed by enemy machine-gun fire. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Billings on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.