The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. INGERSOLL (DD-652), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa Gunto, Nansei Shoto, from 24 May to 26 June 1945. When his ship, serving as a radar picket, became a frequent target for many extraordinarily heavy raids launched day and night against our forces on the island, Commander Blouin performed the vital functions of providing early air warning and fighter direction and succeeded in shooting down one enemy plane and assisted in destroying two more. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy), from June 1968 to July 1971. Directly involved in shaping the strategic posture of the United States and the military force structures for the present and future defense of the nation, Vice Admiral Blouin, as principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations on matters under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided the sound judgment and knowledge required to resolve many complex issues of national importance. Routinely in contact with the highest levels of Government in the State and Defense Departments, Vice Admiral Blouin advised the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on international politico-military affairs. His insight in the fields of Joint Strategic/Conventional Force requirements and, in particular, the Navy contribution to the United States Force structure was invaluable to the Chief of Naval Operations. By his exceptional professional competence, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication, Vice Admiral Blouin reflected great credit upon himself and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Sterret (DD-407)Action Date:
World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during World War II. As Commanding Officer of the destroyer U.S.S. STERRET (DD-407) during a four day running battle against enemy aircraft, he was constantly alert and by his efficient gunfire, shiphandling, radar warning and general assistance to the convoy, he contributed greatly to the protection of the convoy, to the destruction of thirty-seven enemy aircraft and to the damaging and driving off of many more. His meritorious actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Blouin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
All Hands (January 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director of the Far East Region in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), from October 1963 to July 1966, for developing recommendations on politico-military matters involving the many widely-differing countries of an area in which the U.S. has concurrently been confronted with some of its most crucial and complex problems with respect to both military strategy and foreign policy.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Sterett (DD-407)Action Date:
February 1944 – January 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the United States Destroyer U.S.S. STERETT (DD-407), from February 1944 to January 1945. During this period his ship played an important part in the capture and occupation of Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, in the Marianas, and was a unit of Task Force FIFTY-EIGHT in the first air strikes on the Bonin Islands, Palau, Yap, and Ulithi. The remainder of this period was spent in escorting the re-supply echelons in Mindoro in support of the Philippine Campaign, during which it underwent many air attacks and shot down eight enemy planes. The great courage and skill displayed by Commander Blouin were an inspiration to the men in his command. His conduct and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Blouin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)