The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Leonard Lamarr Blankenship (NSN: 6305659), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 17 February 1944 to 20 February 1944. Aviation Radioman First Class Blankenship 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 a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman First Class Leonard Lamarr Blankenship (NSN: 6305659), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 18 December 1944 to 21 February 1945. Aviation Radioman First Class Blankenship completed his fortieth flight 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.