The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Don H. Blanchard (MCSN: 0-39061), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. Conducting a daylight raid with two reinforced platoons against a strongly fortified enemy position, Captain Blanchard established his command post in an exposed position far forward of friendly outposts to control the units more effectively. Despite the continuous enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire, he fearlessly remained in the position for over four hours and, skillfully utilizing and coordinating the fire of his supporting arms and weapons, succeeded in capturing the assigned objectives, and in repulsing three enemy counterattacks, accounting for numerous enemy casualties and inflicting heavy damage on installations and material. Upon the successful completion of his mission, he directed the withdrawal of his units under heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire and remained in his exposed command post until all of his troops, including casualties, had been removed to the rear of the main lines. By his outstanding leadership, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Blanchard served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.