The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James F. Blake (ASN: 0-2028544), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, near Chorwon, Korea. On 17 April 1953, elements of the battalion had regained the crest of a strategic enemy-held hill and were engaged in vicious hand to hand combat with the enemy for control of the hill. Wire communication had gone out and the radio reports were spotty and confused. Although all approaches to the hill crest were under intense enemy artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, Lieutenant Blake, with no regard for his personal safety, moved through the withering enemy fire to the top of the hill and contacted officers of the assault elements. Lieutenant Blake then returned through the enemy fire to the forward Battalion Command Post with vital information which enabled the battalion commander to reinforce the hill at a critical time. Lieutenant Blake’s heroic actions contributed materially to the successful completion of the battalion’s mission. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Blake reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.