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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Major General Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander, United States Air Force Security Service, from 4 January 1957 to 31 July 1959. The success of his contingency planning to provide a rapid and flexible deployment capability was proved during two world crises situations. His anticipation of the requirement for early deployment of personnel and equipment produced extremely gratifying results and materially enhanced the prestige of the Air Force intelligence effort in the eyes of the other services and high government agencies. His institution of a quick reaction capability of his command to adjust to changing world situations was reflected in the highly commendable conclusion of several important projects. The overall results achieved through his tenacity, resourceful initiative, sound judgment, and devotion to duty have brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    December 1941 – October 1943

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Regional Control Officer of the 7th (Pacific) Army Airways Communications System Region from December 1941 to October 1943. Through great professional knowledge, judgment, and initiative, through untiring effort and exceptional leadership he succeeded in meeting all demands for the expansion of Army Airways Communication System services in that area.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-122 (1965)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Director, National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, from July 1, 1962 to June 1, 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Blake culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Hickam Air Field, Territory of Hawaii

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1941
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, General Orders No. 11 (March 23, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Base Operations Officer at Hickam Field during the Japanese attack on the Island of Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Colonel Blake was present on the hangar line when the air attack began. Without consideration of personal safety he immediately went to the unsheltered, centrally located Control Tower and personally directed the landing of several B-17 airplanes during the attack. His coolness, courage, and intelligent instruction undoubtedly were responsible for safe landing of several airplanes under attack. His courage and disregard for personal safety inspired others and are worthy of special consideration. The bravery, coolness, and good judgment displayed by Colonel Blake on this occasion, reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    October 1943 – February 1945
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 30640 (May 6, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit (Navy Award) to Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Aylesworth Blake (ASN: 0-18389/AFSN: 582A), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Seventh Army Airways Communication Service Wing from October 1943 to February 1945. Through his efficient leadership, wholehearted cooperation, and superior ability the communications service under his command was maintained in a constant state of reliability, available at all times for use by any of the Services. His conduct throughout the entire Central Pacific Campaign was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Military Service.