The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Charles R. Blackmore (ASN: 15104748), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 7 February 1945 in Germany. While the platoon in which Sergeant Blackmore served as a squad leader was preparing to cross the Our River into Germany and the Siegfried Line, a heavy artillery barrage inflicted several casualties in the platoon, among whom were the platoon commanders. Immediately assuming control, Sergeant Blackmore arranged the evacuation of all wounded and, although the boat assigned for the crossing was destroyed, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he located another and successfully led the platoon on its mission. Sergeant Blackmore’s courage, leadership, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.