The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance from 19 February 1941 to 9 December 1943. During the period of intensive preparedness prior to our entry into the war and since the actual outbreak of hostilities, Rear Admiral Blandy, by keen foresight and sound analysis, successfully formulated and executed plans for rapid expansion of all ordnance activities incident to the effective prosecution of full-scale naval warfare. Under his thorough and resourceful administration urgent organizational problems were competently solved and vital armament requirements adequately fulfilled with maximum efficiency and minimum delay. His forceful initiative and superior technical skill contributed materially to the progressive effectiveness of our coordinated war effort and 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 Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while commanding a naval task force engaged in the pre-invasion assault upon Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, during the period from 16 February 1945 to 19 February 1945; and in the pre-invasion assault operations upon Japanese-held Okinawa Gunto, Nansei Shoto, including the capture of the Japanese islands of Kerama Retto during the period 25 March 1945 to 1 April 1945. He displayed exceptional ability in planning, organizing, and operating his forces, and his actions contributed materially to the success of two major operations. His personal courage, determination, and outstanding leadership throughout 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 Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while organizing and commanding the assault force engaged in the amphibious attack on Japanese-held Angaur Island during the period of July to September 1944. Rear Admiral Blandy displayed outstanding ability in forming, training, and operating his force. Under his aggressive direction the assault of Angaur was brought to a rapid and completely successful conclusion. His personal courage, determination, and excellent leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.