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 (Field Artillery) John R. Blackburn (ASN: 0-1179616), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Field Artillery Battalion, 83d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 August 1944, near *****, France. Second Lieutenant Blackburn, as forward observer with an infantry battalion, remained at an exposed point although the infantry had been temporarily forced from the area by extremely heavy enemy artillery fire, and continued the performance of his duty until commanded to leave by his superior officer. His conspicuous devotion to duty and personal bravery reflects great credit upon himself and the finest traditions of the military service.