Billy R. Cullum

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Billy R. Cullum (1297201), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 18 April 1953. Serving as a rifleman, Private First Class Cullum displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He was point man in a five-man rescue party in search of a casualty-ridden patrol that had been operating far forward of the main line of resistance. Despite conflicting reports as to the whereabouts of the stricken patrol, he demonstrated remarkable skill in finding the stricken unit. Noticing that nearly all of the members of the patrol were casualties, he immediately began administering first aid to the wounded men. When he discovered that several Marines of the patrol were missing, he courageously searched out the surrounding area despite the risk of possible capture or death. After learning that the missing men were on their way back to the main line of resistance, he volunteered to search for a second rescue party that was unable to locate the stricken patrol. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he gallantly moved alone through the darkness of no man’s land, located the rescue party and guided them to the patrol. During the evacuation of the injured men, he assisted in carrying the wounded and their weapons. Private First Class Cullum’s gallant and courageous actions combined with his indomitable spirit served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.