Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    313th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    79th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 6, 1945

    Headquarters, 79th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 120 (July 6, 1945)

    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 Harvard L. Blake (ASN: 34211792), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 April 1945 in Germany. After his platoon had forced its way across the Rhine-Herne Canal, Private Blake, a rifleman, immediately seized a rocket launcher in an attempt to reduce an enemy strongpoint which was raking his unit with murderous fire. Firing coolly and deliberately from an exposed position and although subjected to concentrated enemy fire he destroyed three enemy machine guns in quick succession, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and making it possible for friendly troops to storm and neutralize the enemy position. The gallantry and intrepidity displayed by Private Blake reflects highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.