Sgt Godfred Blankenship
Died: March 25, 1967

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THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

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The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL with Combat “V” posthumously to

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SERGEANT GODFRED BLANKENSHIP
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

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CITATION:

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For heroic achievement in connection with operations in the Republic of Vietnam from 4 January to 25 March 1967 as a reconnaissance platoon sergeant and patrol leader with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, Fleet Marine Force. Participating in numerous reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy territory, Sergeant Blankenship exhibited an extraordinary degree of professional skill and sound judgment which credited his unit with many significant sightings and gathering of valuable intelligence information. His knowledge of the jungle, personal courage, and calm decisiveness, while on patrol in January 1967 contributed materially to the success of the venture, when his unit was hit by Viet Cong fire. His team returned fire killing three of the enemy before they could withdraw. He then led part of his patrol further into the area capturing weapons, documents, medical supplies, and rations after which he saw to the safe helicopter extraction of his team. While on another patrol in the Danang area on 11 January 1967, although he and four other members of his team were wounded by a booby trap in the patrol landing zone, he assisted in the control of his team and the medical evacuation of the more seriously wounded. On 25 March 1967, he was mortally wounded by an enemy mine while on patrol south of Danang. Sergeant Blankenship's outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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For the President,
Paul R. Ignatius
Secretary of the Navy

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Sgt Blankeship was laid to rest in the Blankenship Cemetery, Greenbrier Creek, near the town of Haysi, Buchanan County, VA.