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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Frank William Blake (NSN: 0-325981), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea, 26 October 1944. As pilot of a carrier-based dive bomber, he participated in an attack which contributed materially to the annihilation of an enemy Task Force. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, he made his attack on a rapidly-turning enemy battleship. The action he took part in removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 18 (VB-18)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Intrepid (CV-11)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0533 (September 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Frank William Blake (NSN: 0-325981), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB-18), attached to the U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action on 24 October 1944, during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. Ensign Blake participated in an attack which contributed materially to the annihilation of an enemy battleship, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. The action he was part of removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.