The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel William E. Abblitt (MCSN: 0-6986), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against the enemy in Korea from 5 February to 13 October 1953. Serving as Division Air Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abblitt displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and fearless leadership in the execution of his duties. Throughout the period he diligently worked extremely long hours in order to insure the maximum and most efficient use of available aircraft. Through his excellent understanding of the capabilities and limitations of close support aircraft and his adept coordination of aircraft during critical periods, he rendered invaluable and timely advice concerning aerial support of ground elements. Through his superb liaison work with the supporting Marine Air Wing, he deftly disposed of numerous problems which obstructed effective liaison between the two units. Through his previous knowledge of close support aircraft and helicopter transport squadron and an observation squadron which were under the operational control of the division. When it was determined that searchlights appropriately located on the main line of resistance would be of immeasurable aid in conducting night close air support missions, he exerted every effort to further this type of air support which would contribute materially to the Division’s operations. His professional competence and selfless devotion to duty aided immeasurably in the tactical successes achieved by the Division. A persevering, resourceful and exceptionally competent officer, Lieutenant Colonel Abblitt’s exemplary conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Abblitt is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
February 5 – October 13, 1953
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney -
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William E. Abblitt (MCSN: 0-6986), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Scout-Bomber Squadron 245 (VMSB-245)Action Date:
July 5 – July 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William E. Abblitt (MCSN: 0-6986), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 5 July 1944 to 24 July 1944. Major Abblitt 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.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Scout-Bomber Squadron 245 (VMSB-245)Action Date:
September 9 – October 25, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William E. Abblitt (MCSN: 0-6986), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot and as Commanding Officer of a Marine Bomber Fighting Squadron in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. On 9 September 1944 he scored a near miss on a coastal defense gun located on Mille Island, causing extensive damage to this enemy weapon, despite intense anti-aircraft fire. On 13 October, disregarding a heavy concentration of enemy fire he scored another near miss on a coastal defense gun on Enyber Island, Jaluit Atoll, assisting in the destruction of this enemy weapon. On 25 October, he scored a near miss on a blockhouse located on Emidj Island, Jaluit Atoll. His courage, skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Scout-Bomber Squadron 245 (VMSB-245)Action Date:
September 6 – 30, 1944
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 Major William E. Abblitt (MCSN: 0-6986), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 6 September 1944 to 30 September 1944. Major Abblitt 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.