The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Platoon Sergeant Clifford J. Blankenship (MCSN: 365434), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism aboard the Landing Craft LST-179 following explosions and fire at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 21 May 1944. After a terrific explosion aboard the ship on which he was a passenger, he voluntarily assisted and succeeded in putting the ship’s fire hose into action. Without hesitation and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he continued his efforts to extinguish the fire and to clear the decks of exploding ammunition until he was severely shocked by concussion which necessitated his evacuation. His prompt and courageous initiative under extremely dangerous conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.