The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Byron T. Blackburn (ASN: 0-411756), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, from 4 to 8 December 1944. Through the brilliant and forceful leadership of Captain Blackburn, their Commanding Officer, Company E, 2d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, made an important advance against the enemy from **** to the city of **** during the period mentioned. When the progress of the battalion was halted by enemy 20-mm. guns emplaced in the outskirts of ****, Captain Blackburn found a route of advance by personal reconnaissance, maneuvered his men through an anti-tank trench and wooded terrain and directed their infiltration into the town. By the end of the day, the company had not only possession of many buildings and captured seven of the enemy, but had succeeded in driving the Germans from that portion of **** located on the western bank of the **** River, in spite of extremely heavy enemy artillery fire. The following morning, Captain Blackburn and his men crossed the river and made their way into a forest which they were to clear of enemy troops, when the Germans launched a counterattack. Organizing his infantry assault, Captain Blackburn moved among the company, assuring himself that each man was taking maximum advantage of his position and uttered words of encouragement. His exemplary leadership is in accord with the best traditions of the military service and reflects credit upon his character as an officer.