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 Gordon O. Blegen (ASN: 37327066), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 July 1944. Private First Class Blegen was a member of the forward echelon of an infantry headquarters. During a severe bombardment in the course of a hostile air action, both Private First Class Blegen and a comrade sharing his shelter were wounded by falling shrapnel. Unselfishly disregarding his own pain, Private First Class Blegen left the comparative safety of his dugout and made his way to the nearby aid station, while the bombs were still dropping, in order to secure medical assistance for his mate. As a result of this heroic act, Private First Class Blegen was wounded a second time from exploding shrapnel after he had reached the aid station and dispatched a litter bearer to evacuate his comrade. The gallant unselfishness displayed by Private First Class Blegen, over and above the call of duty, reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.