The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Billie L. Petrie (ASN: 35777913), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 27 March 1945. Sergeant Petrie, a squad leader, placed another man in charge of the squad while he went forward in an attempt to destroy an enemy machine gun position. After a fire fight with the enemy, he returned for additional ammunition, went forward again, and after a hand grenade battle, accounted for five enemy dead and the capture of twelve prisoners. Sergeant Petrie’s aggressive leadership, his fighting spirit and courage constitute the gallantry that symbolizes American military tradition.