Navy Federal Credit Union

Paul Blackburn graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1930. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1962 – October 1964

    All Hands (February 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Paul Prichard Blackburn, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the First Chief, Joint Command and Control Requirements Group, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from August 1962 through October 1964. Rear Admiral Blackburn directly supervised the development and continuous improvement of the National Military Command System. Under his direction the efforts of the many participating agencies of the Department of Defense were employed in the development of the Master Plan for the National Military Command System, a key document defining the complex but vital interrelationships among the National Command System, the service headquarters, defense agencies and other affected executive departments and agencies.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    March – October 1965

    All Hands (December 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Paul Prichard Blackburn, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander U.S. SEVENTH Fleet from March to October 1965. During this period of ever-increasing tension in Southeast Asia, Vice Admiral Blackburn led the world’s largest and most powerful Task Fleet. Under his direction, SEVENTH Fleet forces remained vigilant and responsive to the increased tempo of operations, quickly and effectively translating national policy decisions into appropriate actions. His successful introduction of new units into the Fleet increased combat support of vital importance in the attainment of U.S. objectives.