The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] Welford Charles Blinn (NSN: 0-60222), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), in the Java Sea on 1 March 1942. Proceeding from Soerabaja as escort for two Allied Warships, Captain Blinn rendered heroic service when a large force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers attacked his formation. Undaunted by the superior firepower, he hurled the full fighting strength of his ship at the oncoming enemy, making full use of every facility at his command in an effort to overcome the attacking warships. With the other Allied ships put out of action during the bitter engagement, and with his own vessel sustaining some damage from enemy shellfire, he executed a strategic withdrawal and retired to the northeast. Within an hour his ship was once more under attack, challenged by enemy bombing planes. Directing a steady stream of deadly anti-aircraft fire against the viciously diving aircraft, he skillfully initiated evasive maneuvers at the commencement of each attack, continuing to give battle until the POPE, shuddering from a near miss on the eleventh bombing run, began to settle as a gaping hole was opened in the port side below the water line, and the port engine rendered inoperative. With but one engine functioning, Captain Blinn directed pre-abandon ship demolition operations and evacuation of the wounded. After the demolition charges had been set off and abandon ship operations completed, he gathered together the survivors in a motor whale boat and life rafts and succeeded in clearing the danger area prior to the POPE’s destruction by enemy cruiser fire. His masterly ship-handling, inspiring leadership, and great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Captain Blinn, his command and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Welford Charles Blinn (NSN: 0-60222), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), and for extreme courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety in the face of heavy opposition during the Battle of the Java Sea, on the night of 24 – 25 January 1942, in delivering a successful attack upon enemy Japanese forces off Balikpapan, Borneo, Netherlands East Indies. By skillful and precise handling of his ship, Lieutenant Commander Blinn aided in surprising and confusing the superior Japanese forces, and as a result, a great part of the enemy concentration was sunk or damaged by repeated torpedo and gunfire attacks. This action and the high morale of his command reflect most favorably on Lieutenant Commander Blinn’s ability a leader and officer, and are in keeping with the best 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 Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Welford Charles Blinn (NSN: 0-60222), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. With his vessel illuminated by the enemy, and under heavy gunfire from enemy Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Commander Blinn delivered a vigorous attack with guns and torpedoes, scoring several gun hits and at least two torpedo hits on the opposing forces. Following the attack, he displayed fine seamanship and excellent judgment in extricating the U.S.S. POPE from a situation of grave peril, thereby saving the ship from serious damage. This spirit of determination reflects great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Blinn, his command, and upon the United States Naval Service.