The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Sidney H. Blankenship (MCSN: 1547310), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Light Weapons Infantry Advisor, 2d Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1968, a surprise enemy attack was launched against the company he was advising. Although seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Blankenship displayed great courage in making a calm, rapid and effective assessment of the situation. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and for the seriousness of his wounds, he rallied the troops and inspired them to provide an effective defense against the enemy onslaught. In so doing, Staff Sergeant Blankenship was wounded again and even though he was hampered by wounds, he remained calm and continued to move through the area, rallying the troops and directing fire. When three members of the U.S. Squad operating with the company could not be located, he organized and directed a reaction force to move back to the original location in an effort to locate the missing personnel. When the force returned with negative results, Staff Sergeant Blankenship accompanied the force back into the area and located the missing men. He then called for a medical evacuation aircraft and effectively directed it into position. Even though the aircraft was receiving intense small arms fire, Staff Sergeant Blankenship personally directed the loading of the wounded, insuring that all of them were aboard before he was put on. His heroic actions and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.