The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Wade Blankenship, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from 18 July to 1 August 1943. When a reconnaissance party was ambushed by enemy forces Lieutenant Blankenship aggressively led his platoon forward to successfully cover the withdrawal of the harassed group, saving them from annihilation. On another occasion, as he was leading his platoon in the vicinity of a ration dump, they came under intense hostile fire with resultant casualties. By coolly moving up a machine gun Lieutenant Blankenship neutralized the enemy’s fire and effectively reorganized his unit. In accomplishing this Lieutenant Blankenship was severely wounded, but his exemplary courage so fortified his men that following his evacuation his platoon successfully accomplished the plans he had set into motion. 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.