The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John E. Blair (ASN: 6397601), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division, in action in the area of St. Vith, Belgium, on 22 December 1944. While Staff Sergeant Blair’s platoon was serving as rear-guard during a movement of the battalion, it came under heavy enemy attack. In the bitter battle four of Sergeant Blair’s tanks were knocked out, but he continued the fight unaided until his own vehicle was destroyed. Only then did he reorganize his men and lead them safely on foot to friendly lines. His courageous action, which prevented the Germans from falling on the rear of the battalion as it withdrew to new defensive positions, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Armored Division, and the United States Army.