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 Leonard C. Blankenship, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1945. During an attack, friendly tanks inadvertently fired on a house occupied by friendly troops and casualties were suffered. Private Blankenship, himself momentarily stunned, quickly recovered and although the enemy was still firing at the house and the surrounding terrain, he unhesitatingly ran toward the friendly tanks until he attracted the attention of the crew members and had them life their fire. He then returned through enemy fire and assisted in caring for the wounded until an aid man came forward and the platoon resumed the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Blankenship, 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.