The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Robert Edwin Blick, Jr. (NSN: 0-57463), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29) during operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Area from 13 August 1944 to 9 November 1944. Captain Blick directed effective strikes against enemy shore installations, air power and forces afloat. His outstanding efforts were of considerable value in the success of many allied campaigns. His courage, leadership and professional skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Blick is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Santee (CVE-29)Action Date:
October 18 – 27, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0193 (January 19, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Robert Edwin Blick, Jr. (NSN: 0-57463), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SANTEE (CVE-29), Captain Blick was engaged in furnishing air support to amphibious attack groups landing on the shore of Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, from 18 to 27 October 1944. On 25 October 1944 his ship was hit by a Japanese suicide dive bomber and shortly afterwards was torpedoed by an enemy submarine. Under his courageous leadership the fire that ensued in the hangar was soon extinguished and the ship proceeded to launch flight after flight against the enemy fleet approaching Leyte Gulf from the east. These planes damaged the enemy ships and contributed to their turning away from the attack on our forces in Leyte Gulf. By his personal courage, skill in combat, and determination, he gave encouragement to his personnel in a manner that caused his actions to contribute to turning away the enemy fleet, thereby helping it win the critical Battle of Samar Island. His conduct throughout was in accordance with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Task Force 77Action Date:
May 15 – July 27, 1953
All Hands (April 1955)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Robert Edwin Blick, Jr. (NSN: 0-57463), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Division THREE and Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN during operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces in the Korean Theater from 15 May to 27 July 1953. Rear Admiral Blick commanded a striking force of aircraft carriers, heavy support ships and screening vessels. He displayed outstanding initiative and professional skill in directing effective air and sea operations against the Communist enemy in Korea. He contributed to the planning and advance preparations for stepped-up aerial assaults against vital hydro-electric plans in North Korea and aggressively took full advantage of the mobility of the task force under his command as he planned and executed air and sea blows against the enemy. His successful air and sea interdiction resulted in the destruction of numerous important enemy industrial and supply centers and transportation junctions and staging points. During the month of June and July 1953 when the enemy conducted heavy offensive operations against front line troops, Rear Admiral Blick was directly responsible for the heavy air support provided friendly forces to combat those enemy assaults. These operations resulted in the infliction of heavy casualties upon enemy forces. Through his service as Commander Carrier Division THREE, Rear Admiral Blick contributed immeasurably to the termination of hostilities against the Communist Forces in North Korea. His steadfast devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Blick is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Robert Edwin Blick, Jr. (NSN: 0-57463), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 1 July 1945 to 15 August 1945 while serving as Chief of Staff to a Task Group Commander. During the period of time mentioned, the Task Group was engaged in active combat operations against the enemy at sea and against the Japanese homeland. His initiative, resourcefulness and foresight were outstanding and contributed materially to the success of operations against the enemy. On all occasions, his courageous leadership and determination were an inspiration to officers and men. His professional skill and judgment were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Blick is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)