The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Boyd Edward Blanchard (NSN: 0-166729), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LST-398, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the New Georgia Area, on 21 August 1943. Although subjected to severe bombing attacks en route to Vella Lavella Island with troops, supplies and equipment for the occupation forces, Lieutenant Blanchard brought his craft through and beached her on a narrow strip of land flanked by treacherous coral reefs. There, despite sudden, vicious hostile bombing and withering strafing fire, he continued to stave off the relentless aerial attacks until he had safely unloaded a vital cargo of high explosives. Lieutenant Blanchard’s splendid seamanship and courageous devotion to duty contributed materially to our success in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.