The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Robert Elliott Blu (NSN: 0-121424), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VB-86), embarked in U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in an operation against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Harbor of the Kure Naval Base, Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. As a pilot of a Carrier-based Torpedo Plane flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, he pressed home his attack to below two thousand feet where he dropped his bombs which scored two hits on a Japanese heavy cruiser. His courage, determination and devotion to duty in the execution of this mission were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.