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 (Field Artillery) James K. Blackman (ASN: 0-534195), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea on 12 January 1952, while serving as a Forward Observer with Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment. On that date, Company L was attacking heavily fortified enemy positions in an attempt to capture prisoners. As the attack pressed forward, the company came under intense enemy fire. The platoon leader of the second platoon was seriously wounded and evacuated. The platoon, dismayed by the loss of their leader, was rapidly losing all semblance of a fighting unit. Realizing that disaster was imminent, Lieutenant Blackman, without regard for personal safety, took command of the platoon, encouraging the men and giving them further orders and instructions. Although Lieutenant Blackman had no prior experience with the men, his actions inspired and revitalized them. As a result, they were able to rejoin the company and complete their mission. The gallantry in action exhibited by Lieutenant Blackman is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.