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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Howard C. Blazzard, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy while commanding a rifle company in a combat team in Belgium, in September 1944. When his column was halted by Germans who had destroyed the only bridge over the Canal de la Sarnne, he reconnoitered for a suitable crossing and succeeded in locating an abandoned railroad trestle. Alone and under constant small arms fire from the Germans, he studied the approach to the trestle and then examined it closely to make certain it had not been prepared for demolition. He climbed the trestle, crossed it under continued fire, and examined the approach on the far side. He reported his findings to the combat team commander, and Americans crossed the trestle and trapped a large German motor and horse-drawn column. Covering air support destroyed this force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1944
    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 82 (November 19, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Howard Chadwick Blazzard, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 22d Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the Siegfried Line Campaign in Germany, on 14 September 1944. Seeing an attack falter and halt as the result of a fierce artillery barrage, he passed through the devastating fire and assumed command of a segment of the assaulting force. Boldly moving from group to group, he reorganized them for an attack, Moving out in front of the men, he courageously advanced toward the enemy. Inspired by this display of valor, the men vigorously stormed through the pillboxes and bunkers. With the attack well under control he was returning to his observation post when fired upon by a by-passed pill box ten feet away. Crawling to a tank destroyer, he led it into position to fire at the bunker’s steel door. When a hole had been blasted through the door, Captain Blazzard, at the risk of his own life, approached the door and hurled several hand grenades into the hole, forcing 20 Germans to surrender. Although severely wounded, he refused evacuation until the objective had been completely secured. Captain Blazzard’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 94 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Howard C. Blazzard, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 22d Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Cherbourg, France, during World War II. Captain Blazzard persuaded a German commander to surrender a large fortification, resulting in the capture of more than 1,000 prisoners, an airport, radar station, and supply base. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.