The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Gerald Blue (NSN: 0-337540), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the vicinity of Honshu, Japan, on 15 July 1945. As the pilot of a carrier-based fighter plane, he skillfully made a determined bombing attack on a Japanese merchant ship. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire he scored a direct hit amidships to inflict serious and vital damage. His courage, airmanship, and disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.