The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert W. Blake (MCSN: 0-6763), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the Ninth Defense Battalion Tank Platoon, Fleet Marine Force, in combat against enemy Japanese forces during the New Georgia Campaign, Solomon Islands, in July 1943. Daringly leading his platoon over extremely difficult terrain and against fierce enemy opposition, Captain Blake repeatedly opened the way for the advance of infantry troops. When a hostile magnetic mine put his tank out of action, he shifted to another, continued the attack in the face of intense resistance throughout the day and led the final assault from a third tank, the only one left in operation in his battalion. By his great courage and indomitable fighting spirit he contributed materially to the success of this campaign and undoubtedly saved the lives of many infantrymen. Captain Blake’s heroic devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.