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 J. W. Blackwell (ASN: 38667100), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 21 and 22 February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. After he administered aid to a wounded comrade and while waiting for litter bearers, Private First Class Blackwell found it necessary to leave the man in order to attend other casualties, sustained when the enemy counterattacked and overran the OPLR. The following day he voluntarily made his way across no man’s land seeking to effect his comrade’s evacuation, only to find enemy troops where he had left the wounded soldier. He was subjected to questioning by an enemy officer but steadfastly refused to divulge any information. When the interrogation was concluded, he made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the officer to surrender his unit. He then evacuated his wounded comrade to friendly lines. His gallantry beyond the call of duty undoubtedly saved the wounded soldier’s life.