The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Willis N. Blake (ASN: 31222539), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 March 1945, in Germany. Technician Fourth Grade Blake was driver of a reconnaissance party whose mission was to reconnoiter the best route to a new position for his battalion. When he was given the choice of parking his vehicle and taking shelter from a very heavy volume of artillery fire which struck all around him, he refused to do so realizing that speed at this time was essential. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technician Fourth Grade Blake, 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.