The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Cecil H. Blair (ASN: RA-13319921), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 June 1951, near Sasong-ni, Korea, while attacking a series of well-entrenched enemy emplacements on Hill 642, the Third Platoon was pinned down by intense enemy machine gun, mortar, and small arms fire. Realizing that unless the platoon immediately resumed the assault all tactical advantage would be lost, the platoon leader urged the men to move forward. Sergeant Blair quickly organized the members of the unit and, ordering them to fix bayonets, led them in a fierce assault on the enemy stronghold. The charge was conducted so quickly and with such vigor that the enemy positions were completely overrun. Under Sergeant Blair’s inspired leadership, the unit inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and captured a great deal of valuable equipment. Sergeant Blair’s heroic actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.