The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Howard A. Blake (ASN: 17036660), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 473d Infantry Regiment (Separate), attached to the 92d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Massa, Italy, from 15 to 18 April 1945. Private First Class Blake voluntarily took charge of his platoon after the platoon sergeant was wounded during the company’s bitterly contested drive through the Ligurian coastal area. Aggressively leading his men, he stormed a steep and strongly defended hill, and proceeding alone, boldly entered a concrete dugout, drove out and captured approximately fifteen Germans. After reorganizing the remaining men in his platoon, Private First Class Blake deployed his men to the left flank as his company resumed the attack on 17 April 1945. On the morning of 18 April 1945, after fire prevented the advance of the company, Private First Class Blake courageously assaulted and secured four stone houses in the face of heavy mortar shelling. Then advancing alone, without supporting fire, he approached three German machine guns, alternating firing his automatic weapon and dashing through a hail of steel, he destroyed two of the emplacements, killing the German gunners. While bravely attacking the third machine gun position, a mortar fragment struck him, killing him instantly. The aggressive and intrepid leadership of Private First Class Blake in the face of great odds inspired his men to complete successfully their mission. Private First Class Blake’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.