(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) William Hugh Blanchard (ASN: 0-21223), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Bomber Pilot and as Commanding Officer of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber of the 40th Bombardment Wing, TWENTIETH Air Force, in the Mariana Islands, in 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Blanchard, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.