The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Robert Edwin Blick, Jr. (NSN: 0-57463), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Division THREE and Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN during operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces in the Korean Theater from 15 May to 27 July 1953. Rear Admiral Blick commanded a striking force of aircraft carriers, heavy support ships and screening vessels. He displayed outstanding initiative and professional skill in directing effective air and sea operations against the Communist enemy in Korea. He contributed to the planning and advance preparations for stepped-up aerial assaults against vital hydro-electric plans in North Korea and aggressively took full advantage of the mobility of the task force under his command as he planned and executed air and sea blows against the enemy. His successful air and sea interdiction resulted in the destruction of numerous important enemy industrial and supply centers and transportation junctions and staging points. During the month of June and July 1953 when the enemy conducted heavy offensive operations against front line troops, Rear Admiral Blick was directly responsible for the heavy air support provided friendly forces to combat those enemy assaults. These operations resulted in the infliction of heavy casualties upon enemy forces. Through his service as Commander Carrier Division THREE, Rear Admiral Blick contributed immeasurably to the termination of hostilities against the Communist Forces in North Korea. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Blick is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)