Harry A. Blaker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harry A. Blaker (33595015), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Troop C, 88th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 8th Armored Division, in Germany on 28 March 1945. Sergeant Blaker was riding in the lead vehicle of a task force. When the one-quarter ton truck in which he was riding came under fire, he manned the machine gun and continued with the advance. When that weapon jammed, he started firing his rifle, later using that of his driver while he continued to advance through the enemy town under harassing fire of all types. Sergeant Blaker continued to lead the task force forward until he encountered heavy artillery fire on the other side of the town. His personal courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces.