The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elmer C. Blackburn (ASN: US-52006305), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Hudong-ni, Korea, on 12 October 1951. A squad of his company was given the mission of clearing a hill of enemy troops. Sergeant Blackburn volunteered as an automatic rifleman. As the infantrymen advanced up the hill, they were subjected to devastating small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire from an enemy bunker. Sergeant Blackburn unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy fire as he moved boldly forward, firing concentrated bursts into the enemy emplacement. During his assault, he received serious leg wounds but he did not falter in his mission. With complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled to the entrance of the bunker and firing with devastating accuracy, killed its three occupants. With this key position destroyed, his comrades were able to successfully accomplish their mission. Sergeant Blackburn’s courageous actions, aggressive initiative and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.