The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John P. Blake (ASN: 12038433), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to April 1943. When a tank destroyer loaded with 75-mm. ammunition caught fire after being struck by an enemy shell, Private Blake, without hesitation, jumped on the vehicle and successfully removed more than one hundred rounds. His courage and quick thinking in the face of imminent danger saved his fellow soldiers from disaster. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.