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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] James Williams Blanchard (NSN: 0-61337), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. ALBACORE (SS-218), during that vessel’s EIGHTH War Patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters of the Pacific, from 26 December 1943 to 22 February 1944. Maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens to strike at hostile shipping, Captain Blanchard launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink a hostile transport totaling 5,000 tons and a 2,000-ton destroyer. Despite severe hostile countermeasures, he brought his submarine undamaged to port. His devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Albacore (SS-218)

    Action Date:

    May 29 – July 16, 1944
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 5053 (November 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain [then Commander] James Williams Blanchard (NSN: 0-61337), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ALBACORE (SS-218), during that vessel’s NINTH War Patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters of the Marianas-Palau Islands areas, from 29 May 1944 to 16 July 1944. Pursuing highly aggressive tactics in the face of determined enemy resistance, Captain Blanchard launched torpedo and gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of a large aircraft carrier and another vessel totaling 30,000 tons. In addition he directed a damaging gun attack against the phosphate works on Fais Island, and, skillfully maneuvering the ALBACORE to evade severe enemy countermeasures, brought her safe to port. His cool courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Albacore (SS-218)

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1944 – September 25, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 80 (January 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] James Williams Blanchard (NSN: 0-61337), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. ALBACORE (SS-218), during that vessel’s TENTH War Patrol in enemy Japanese controlled waters of the Pacific, from 8 August 1944 to 25 September 1944. Despite enemy anti-submarine measures which included air support, Captain Blanchard skillfully attacked enemy shipping and delivered aggressive and well-executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy ships totaling 11,000 tons. Although subsequent severe enemy depth charge countermeasures caused minor damage to his ship, he maneuvered evasively to escape further damage and brought his ship back to port. Captain Blanchard’s professional skill, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.