The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Ray W. Blandin, Jr. (ASN: 0-1312872), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 15 December 1950, near Chigyong, Korea, Captain Blandin was a member of a task force which set out to relieve a rifle platoon surrounded by the enemy. While attempting to break through the enemy line, a heavy barrage of mortar, artillery, automatic weapons and small arms fire completely stopped the advance. When in the vicious crossfire, the company commander was wounded and temporarily deprived of active leadership, the task force became confused. Captain Blandin, without hesitation, took command of the unit, fearlessly moving about the open area directing operations and supervising evacuation of the wounded, until he restored order within the harassed unit. Effectively repulsing the hostile forces, the task force made an orderly withdrawal to more tenable positions under the astute direction of Captain Blandin. His aggressive leadership saved the relief column from complete confusion and was instrumental in alleviating pressure on the encircled rifle platoon. Captain Blandin’s gallantry and exemplary initiative reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.