The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Robert E. Blue (NSN: 0-57465), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Plans Officer from January 1945, and as Plans Officer on the Staff of Commander SEVENTH Fleet from April 1945 to September 1945. During this period, Captain Blue exhibited outstanding characteristics of intelligence, diplomacy, industry and planning ability. He was responsible for the planning and supervision of the planned action of the important Philippine operations of Panay, Negros, Cebu, Palaway, Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago, and of the Borneo campaign consisting of Tarekan, Brunei Bay and Balikpapen operations. Captain Blue served under combat conditions on board the U.S.S. WASATCH (Flagship of Commander SEVENTH Fleet), and at Tolosa, Leyte, Philippine Islands, from 2 January 1945 to 5 March 1945. Following the cessation of hostilities, Captain Blue continued the planning and supervision of the planned action for the occupation of China and Korea, and for the movement of Chinese troops and the establishment of the United States Naval Forces in the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Command. Through his tireless efforts and skillful planning, he distinguished himself above others performing duties of the same nature. (Captain Blue is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)