The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Knox Blair (NSN: 0-106897), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), embarked in U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), on 13 June 1944 in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands. On this occasion he led a flight of six fighters on what is believed to be the longest successful attack ever conducted by carrier-based planes, located an enemy convoy and inflicted heavy damage by bombing and strafing. He personally set fire to an enemy destroyer which he strafed persistently in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. His skill and courage were at all times 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 Lieutenant William Knox Blair (NSN: 0-106897), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), embarked in U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against the enemy on 19 June 1944. He was leader of a group of eight fighters which were scrambled to intercept enemy planes over an island in the Marianas. Despite being exposed to enemy fighters above and enemy anti-aircraft fire below he pressed home his attacks and directed others in theirs so efficiently that in a short time eleven enemy planes were destroyed. He personally shot down two enemy dive bombers. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.