The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Franklin R. Blasingame (ASN: 38076302), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 101st Airborne Division. On 3 January 1945 in the vicinity of Longchamps, Belgium, he was manning a rocket launcher on an outpost line during a concentrated enemy attack by infantry and tanks. Observing the first enemy tank approaching his position, Private First Class Blasingame fixed his weapon setting the enemy armored vehicle on fire. Detecting his position, the other enemy tanks began to deliver heavy fire on him. Remaining in his exposed position, Private First Class Blasingame fired another rocket, destroying the second tank. Observing the crew attempting to escape, he fired his carbine killing one of the enemy and wounding another. The remaining enemy armor, seeing this action, withdrew. The courage and tenacity of Private First Class Blasingame prevented enemy armor from penetrating friendly lines. His action were in accordance with the military traditions of the United States.