The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) William R. Billings, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the VII Corps, in action against the enemy Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Landing early on D-Day with an Engineer Provisional Battalion, Second Lieutenant Billings, originally assigned to support a demolition crew, was assigned the task of destroying the beach obstacles. By outstanding initiative and leadership, Second Lieutenant Billings so organized his men that a passage was quickly blown through the defenses. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Billings, 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.