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 (Corps of Engineers) Coleman D. Blackwell (ASN: 0-1646697), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Engineer Combat Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 8 February 1945, in Luxembourg. While directing the ferrying of assaulting infantrymen across the Sauer River, Lieutenant Blackwell continuously exposed himself to withering enemy fire and through his coolness and superb leadership the assaulting troops routed the enemy stubbornly holding the far shore. He continuously exposed himself to great danger with complete disregard for his own personal safety in order to successfully accomplish his assigned mission. His gallantry and supreme devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.