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 Billie M. Berlett (ASN: US-55081643), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during an attack on a strategic hill well-fortified by a heavily armed enemy force, Private Berlett carried vital messages between the forward elements and the rear command post. With complete indifference to the intense enemy fire he moved between the assaulting units providing a reliable and fast line of communications. When friendly units ran critically low on ammunition, he voluntarily secured the necessary ammunition and supplied the men on the front line. On several occasions Private Berlett ran into enemy resistance but overcame it with grenades and accurate rifle fire. On his trips to the rear for ammunition or with messages, he assisted in evacuating his wounded comrades. His outstanding devotion to duty materially aided his unit in accomplishing its mission successfully. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Berlett on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.