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 Technical Sergeant Ewel Thompson Blakely (ASN: 34085473), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 702d Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Holland, on 6 and 7 October 1944. In the midst of heavy enemy artillery, anti-tank, mortar and small arms fire, Sergeant Blakely fearlessly dismounted his tank destroyer and directed effective fire on enemy installations. The following morning when an enemy gun fired on his vehicle at point blank range, Sergeant Blakely directed effective fire from his gun on the enemy vehicle. Immediately after this gun had fired, another enemy gun opened upon Sergeant Blakely’s vehicle, killing Sergeant Blakely. Technical Sergeant Blakely’s extraordinary heroism, courageous actions, 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.