The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Gene Blackwood (NSN: 0-568648), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as bombardier/navigator of an A-6A Intruder all-weather attack aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-85), embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during a boldly planned and executed daylight bombing strike against the strategic Cam Pha coal loading area in North Vietnam on 19 April 1966. Despite the formidable triple threat defenses composed of anti-aircraft fire, surface-to-air missiles, and enemy fighter aircraft, Lieutenant Commander Blackwood utilized low-level radar navigation techniques with a high degree of skill and competence and was able to position the aircraft precisely at the pull-up point for the visual dive-bomb run. A perfect bomb run was executed in the face of intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and all the bombs hit in the assigned area resulting in the complete immobilization of the entire coal loading facility. Lieutenant Commander Blackwood’s accomplishments under extremely adverse and hazardous conditions reflected great credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Robert Gene Blackwood (NSN: 0-568648), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer of a jet attack aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-196) embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA_64), on 1 September 1967. Commander Blackwood carefully planned and skillfully executed a daring low-level night radar attack against the heavily defended and strategically important railroad yard in Phu Ly, North Vietnam. Commander Blackwood navigated his aircraft to the target area, at extremely low altitude over a very dangerous and demanding route. He skillfully identified his radar aim point and commenced his attack. Ignoring the enemy fire, which steadily increased in intensity and accuracy, he coolly tracked the target and guided his plane to the release point. During the post-release breakaway maneuver, he skillfully managed the defense electronic countermeasures equipment to lessen the probability of a missile attack which was imminent. During retirement, it was noted that the bombs had detonated along the yard, which was lighted by construction flood lights, and among numerous boxcars. This daring solo attack destroyed several cars and rendered the yard unusable. Commander Blackwood’s extraordinary courage in the face of danger, superb professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Robert Gene Blackwood (NSN: 0-568648), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as bombardier/navigator of a jet attack aircraft, while attached to and serving with Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-96), embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) on 11 June 1967. Commander Blackwood demonstrated exceptional professional skill and unusual heroism in the planning and execution of a particularly dangerous night radar bombing attack on the Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant in North Vietnam. He carefully planned a dangerous low-altitude penetration route through rugged mountainous terrain. As he approached the target, the enemy began firing an intense barrage of automatic weapons and heavy radar-directed anti-aircraft fire. As he turned into the final inbound attack heading, Commander Blackwood quickly identified the correct radar return on his scope out of the multiple choices and switched the bombing computer into attack. Disregarding the fierce enemy fire, he bravely continued his attack and released his bombs accurately on the assigned target, inflicting major damage. After release, he immediately resumed navigation responsibility for the mission and carefully guided his aircraft through the mountains to the safety of the open sea. Commander Blackwood’s indomitable perseverance and extraordinary radar bombing skill in the face of formidable opposition, resulted in major destruction to a vital North Vietnamese industrial facility. His uncommon courage, unique professional ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.