Leonard Billingsley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Leonard Billingsley, Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 434th Bombardment Squadron, 12th Bombardment Group (M), NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 7 August 1943, against enemy targets in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Billingsley on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.