The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Billy J. Cotton (ASN: 38406894), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near *****, Belgium. Private First Class Cotton, Company Aid Man, completely disregarding the intense enemy barrage and his own personal safety, moved forward on an exposed slope to render first aid to the wounded. When the litter bearers arrived, he guided them to the casualties, supervised their evacuation, and personally brought back two of the wounded. With the successful evacuation of the casualties of his own company completed, Private First Class Cotton voluntarily offered his services to the adjoining battalion, which was in need of aid men, and continued to administer aid to the wounded, despite the heavy artillery fire. Private First Class Cotton’s courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Medical Corps of the United States Army.