The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Gilbert Stayton Blake (NSN: 0-250779), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 21 April 1944 to 29 April 1944. Lieutenant Commander Blake 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 the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Gilbert Stayton Blake (NSN: 0-250779), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in an attack against enemy shipping in Truk Atoll. On 17 February 1944, he was a pilot in a flight of torpedo bombers launched from a carrier on a night minimum altitude bombing attack which destroyed and damaged a substantial number of enemy ships. This attack was executed in darkness against ships inside the lagoon, in the face of great danger from intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, and under exceptionally difficult and hazardous circumstances. His courage, judgment, skill and relentless determination to destroy the enemy contributed greatly to the success of this attack, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gilbert Stayton Blake (NSN: 0-250779), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a carrier-based torpedo bomber on the night of 11 – 12 May 1945. Alone, without escort or fighter cover, and under adverse weather conditions, he skillfully navigated a long distance over water to attack two strongly held airfields on the Japanese mainland. Completely surprising the defenses, he caused widespread destruction in the ground installations and disorganized the enemy air forces in preparations for attacks which were to follow. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.