The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Sam Hoyte Blackwell, Jr. (NSN: 0-301295), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Torpedo-Bomber in Composite Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), embarked in U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), during her action against a large enemy force off Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. In spite of intense anti-aircraft fire, Ensign Blackwell dove his plane into the heart of the enemy unit, scoring a direct bomb hit on a cruiser. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.