The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Francis C. St. Blanc (ASN: 0-1316816), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Lieutenant St. Blanc displayed outstanding heroism and skillful, unhesitating leadership in directing a two-day attack against a well defended building on Provisor Island in Manila, on 10 and 11 February 1945. He led an amphibious assault across an estuary to gain a foothold on the island. When his two platoons were halted by intense enemy fire, he personally exposed himself by moving from man to man giving directions and instilling confidence. Once, he braved intense enemy fire to crawl in the open to rescue a badly wounded man. On the next day, while he was leading his men in an attack on the center of the structure, an enemy pillbox held up the attack and Lieutenant St. Blanc personally directed rifle grenade and rocket fire at the emplacement, silencing it. Upon orders, Lieutenant St. Blanc skillfully withdrew his men to their former positions, and then personally directed tank destroyer fire so effectively that the Americans moved into the building the next morning without interference. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.