The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Blood distinguished himself as Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, from 1 September 1967 to 31 December 1968. During this period, General Blood’s dynamic leadership and initiative provided highly effective air support for the ground forces. His direction of the relentless interdiction campaign against hostile supply lines contributed greatly to the favorable turn in the tide of conflict in Southeast Asia. General Blood was dedicated to marshalling the most appropriate and responsive elements of air power to meet the extraordinary challenge encountered in a constantly changing environment. He continually exhibited eminent abilities as a tactician and planner in the direction of the total air resources committed in the struggle against Communist aggression. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
August 20, 1952
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 167 (April 2, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Airborne Commander of three separate maximum effort strikes by all available aircraft under operational control of FIFTH Air Force missions against the North Korean capitol city of Pyongyang on 20 August 1952. This attack was the first in which an Airborne Commander exercised over-all control of all aircraft in a mass attack by the FIFTH Air Force. Colonel Blood competently planned the attack, briefed the Navy, Marine, and Air Force Wing and Group Commanders, and was selected by the Commanding General, FIFTH Air Force, as Airborne Commander. With utter disregard for his personal safety, and determined to insure maximum success of the mission, Colonel Blood flew over the city, which constituted the most heavily defended target in North Korea, for a period of forty-five minutes during each mission while controlling the entire striking force. By calling out anti-aircraft positions that had not been suppressed, Colonel Blood reduced losses of United States aircraft and aided in inflicting maximum damage upon the enemy’s installations. Through his valor, professional skill and devotion to duty, Colonel Blood was instrumental in reducing the enemy’s war-making potential, and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
Korean War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in the FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, in 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
Korean War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in the FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, in 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
February 10, 1971 – January 31, 1975
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-1322 (December 26, 1974)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Blood distinguished himself as Commander, TWELFTH Air Force, and as Commander, United States Air Force Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, from 10 February 1971 to 31 January 1975. During this period, General Blood’s outstanding achievements, dynamic leadership, and initiative resulted in vastly improved capabilities for Tactical Air Command and tactical air forces worldwide. Of particular significance was his leadership in the development and analysis of fighter tactics, techniques and procedures, and the innovative concept of the United States Air Force Dissimilar Aerial Combat Training Program, via a realistic and dissimilar adversary, the Aggressor Squadron. General Blood’s aggressive, imaginative and professional management also insured improved capabilities for Tactical Air Command during a period of reduced resources and severe budgetary restraints and increased responsibilities. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Gordon Fisk Blood (AFSN: FR-4766/4766-A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Blood and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.