The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Herbert Blake Schwatka (ASN: RA-17314873), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 245th Tank Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, near Sanjon, Korea. The ridgeline in enemy territory on which Sergeant Schwatka’s tank was situated on 21 March 1953 had been subjected to sporadic but extremely accurate mortar fire. The bombardment by hostile firing became so intense and severe that it was necessary for Sergeant Schwatka and his crewmen to mount the vehicle through the escape, preparing to move into firing position. Noticing that nearby infantry units were receiving constant shelling which had inflicted several casualties, Sergeant Schwatka moved his tank into an exposed position to observe enemy locations. Acting as gunner as well as commander, he completed one devastating fire mission, then moved back to reload. After finishing preparations for a second attack, Sergeant Schwatka maneuvered once again to an extremely exposed position in order to bring more accurate fire on enemy positions in support of the infantrymen. During the execution of this hazardous task, Sergeant Schwatka was mortally wounded, but not before he had succeeded in destroying important Communist installations and supplying the riflemen with vitally needed support. The display of decisive leadership, selfless devotion to duty and gallantry demonstrated by Sergeant Schwatka reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.