Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company I, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For gallantry in action on 20 September 1944, near ****, Holland. As platoon leader in Company I, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, First Lieutenant Blankenship crossed the Waal River in the first boat of the assault wave during the daring daylight operation designed to establish **** Bridgehead. As follow-up boats were preparing to land, an enemy machine gun on the left flank opened up, wounding several men and pinning the larger landing force down. First Lieutenant Blankenship unhesitatingly, by crawling and moving by leaps and bounds, moved across 100 yards of open terrain until within 50 yards of the machine gun, whereupon he killed the four-man crew with rifle fire. First Lieutenant Blankenship suddenly observed a concealed enemy sniper only five yards from his position firing on his scout. Since he had no time to reload his then empty rifle, First Lieutenant Blankenship tackled the German and knocked him out with his fists. First Lieutenant Blankenship then led two of his men within fifteen yards of a flak wagon which they proceeded to neutralize with hand grenades. The courage, outstanding leadership, and unselfish actions displayed by First Lieutenant Blankenship throughout the entire action reflect great credit on himself and the Army he served."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 66

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

Company I, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For having distinguished himself by performing excellent acts of courage, conduct and loyalty during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division in the area of the city of NIJMEGEN between September 17th and October 4th, 1944. Thereby having displayed repetitiously outstanding devotion to duty and great perseverance and in all respects having set a praiseworthy example and having been an inspiration to all during those gloriousc days.

Royal Decree dated October 8th, 1945 Nr. 31

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)