The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Frank H. Blackwell, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot in Fighting Squadron THIRTY-SEVEN (VF-37), embarked in U.S.S. SANGAMON (CVE_26), when, on 26 October 1944, he participated in a flight of fighter-bombers, in a bombing and strafing attack on fleeing units of the Japanese Fleet. Vigorously pressing home his attacks in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the enemy ships he contributed to the serious damage of a light cruiser and to the sinking of an enemy destroyer. He also shot down one enemy aircraft attacking our forces in Leyte Gulf. His skill, courage and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.