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.

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.