The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Grier H. Blankenship (ASN: 34579942), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 177th Field Artillery Battalion, *** Field Artillery Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 24 September 1944, in France. Technician Fifth Grade Blankenship, while leading two men of his wire crew back from repairing broken communication lines, came upon a seriously wounded soldier. He sent his two assistants to summon aid for the wounded man while he voluntarily, and at the risk of his life, remained with the wounded man. Heavy German artillery fire was continuous during this period. Technician Fifth Grade Blankenship was killed by this artillery fire while in the execution of this deed of devotion, unselfishness, and valor beyond the call of duty. The courage, devotion to duty, and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Blankenship are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.