The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Bernard R. Blume (ASN: 17134074), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 16 September 1944 in France. Displaying outstanding courage at Lesmenils, France, Sergeant Blume rode on top of a tank during an attack. Despite the fire directed at his exposed position, he led the tank to a position from which it destroyed an anti-tank gun and captured two mortars. Later, he dismounted and charged over open terrain to attack and destroy a machine gun that was delaying the attack. Sergeant Blume’s gallantry and aggressiveness were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.