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 William A. Blankenship (ASN: 6985393), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Armored Division, on 4 September 1944, at Altopascio, Italy. During the attack on Altopascio, the assault force, composed of tanks, tank destroyers, and infantry, was temporarily halted by directfire from concealed enemy tanks that had formed a road block. Staff Sergeant Blankenship unhesitatingly dismounted from his destroyer and proceeded on foot under enemy artillery and small arms fire to make a reconnaissance of the situation. Upon encountering an enemy tank, he fired at the dismounted tank commander causing him to abandon his vehicle. Then, advancing toward the tank and throwing hand grenades at the open turret, Staff Sergeant Blankenship caused the enemy tank, accompanied by another tank, to withdraw, thus neutralizing the enemy road block. Staff Sergeant Blankenship’s courage, aggressiveness, and cool efficiency under fire reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces and are deserving of the highest praise.