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 [then Corporal] Billie V. Nash (ASN: 6656530), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop B, 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), III Corps, in action against the enemy on 14 December 1944, in the town of *****, France. Sergeant Nash, squad leader, was a member of a platoon subjected to a counter-attack. Apprehensive that his squad would be cut off, he obtained a .30 caliber light machine gun and fired it from his hip until all of his men had safely withdrawn to a selected defensive position. The calculated courage, initiative, and devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Nash in his gallant action reflect great credit upon him and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.