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 Blair F. Hertzsch, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Company, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 28 July 1943. Private Hertzsch was performing his duties as a driver of the maintenance section when enemy detachments surrounded the ration dump killing and wounding several of the garrison. Voluntarily arming himself with a Browning Automatic Rifle he advanced towards the enemy machine gun that was firing effectively from a high ridge down into the dump. Despite the intense, accurate fire of the enemy Private Hertzsch aggressively went forward, opened fire with his automatic weapon, and contributed indispensably to the successful defense of the ration dump pending the arrival of reinforcements. In addition, during a lull in the enemy fire he assisted in the recovery of a fellow soldier’s body who had been killed in the same action. 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.