The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John W. Blakeney, III (MCSN: 0-17042), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto during the period 28 April to 3 May 1945. Captain Blakeney completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John W. Blakeney, III (MCSN: 0-17042), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Shima, Nansei Shoto during the period 17 May to 21 May 1945. Captain Blakeney completed five combat air patrols completing his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.