The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Navy Award) to Colonel (Cavalry) David Hazen Blakelock (ASN: 0-4853), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 4 June 1943 to 22 September 1944. During this period Colonel Blakelock was assigned to the Staff of the Commander, Service Force, Pacific Fleet from 4 June 1943 to 17 September 1943, and to the Joint Staff, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas from 17 September 1943 to 22 September 1944. On the latter assignment he served initially as a member of the Advance Base Planning Section and later as Executive Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics. During these periods, Colonel Blakelock was responsible for assisting in the preparation and coordination of plans for all of the advanced bases occupied by Pacific Ocean Areas Forces in the Gilberts and Marshall Islands, and in the preparation of the overall logistic and supply plans for the support of the shore-based forces for the operations which resulted in the capture, occupation and development of the Marshall Islands and the Mariana Islands. Colonel Blakelock also assisted materially in the preparation of plans leading to the unification of the supply of many important items required by the Navy, Army and Marine Corps supply in the Central Pacific Area. By his outstanding devotion to duty, his tact and his skillful handling of these difficult problems, the logistic support of each operation was successfully accomplished, and the development, supply, and installation of defenses in the Gilbert, Marshall and Mariana Islands proceeded smoothly and effectively. His performance has reflected great credit to the military service.