The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Joseph Blasko (MCSN: 267079), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 25 – 26 July 1944. When Japanese troops launched a fierce, pre-dawn attack on the battalion command post after penetrating the front lines during the night, Platoon Sergeant Blasko unhesitatingly crawled to a perilously exposed position and, completely disregarding his own safety, hurled hand grenades which killed at least three of the enemy. Advancing at daybreak against a Japanese rifleman who had killed or wounded several of his comrades, Platoon Sergeant Blasko was mortally wounded. His aggressive fighting spirit, cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.