The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Samuel Day Blythe (NSN: 0-299277), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a carrier-based aircraft against enemy shipping, installations and aircraft in the Philippine Islands on 13 and 14 November 1944. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, on 13 November he put two rockets into an enemy cruiser and on 14 November destroyed three and damaged an additional three enemy aircraft on the ground. His coolness, courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 Ensign Samuel Day Blythe (NSN: 0-299277), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Pacific Area from 19 November 1944 to 21 January 1945. Ensign Blythe 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.