The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Billy J. Best (ASN: RA-37702005), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 near Yongsan, Korea. On that date his company, after withdrawing from a numerically superior enemy force, was seeking cover from the intense enemy fire. When he learned that the left flank of the company was under attack by the enemy, Sergeant Best moved his squad to the threatened area and led them in a vicious counter-attack against the enemy. As a result of his aggressive and inspiring leadership, the enemy was forced to withdraw. Later in the day, he again displayed a complete disregard for his personal safety as he led another attack against the enemy. In his efforts to clear a route of withdrawal for his company, he fought savagely, and with utter contempt for the enemy fire. It was during this attack that he was killed by enemy fire. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Best reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.