The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Daniel T. Blankenship (MCSN: 244488), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Tenth Amphibian Tractor Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 27 July 1944. Hit by shrapnel and knocked into the water while assisting in dispersing the amphibian tractors from the target area during a heavy enemy bombardment, First Sergeant Blankenship pulled himself out of the water, despite wounds sustained when a tractor ran over his foot and, mounting another tractor, continued to perform his duties with outstanding heroism. By his courage and loyal devotion to duty, First Sergeant Blankenship served as an inspiration to the men in his company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.