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 Captain Wallace D. Blatt (MCSN: 0-23261), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flights, as a pilot attached to the FIRST Marine Air Wing, from 9 November 1950 through 5 December 1950. Captain Blatt successfully completed his thirty-sixth through seventieth combat mission against the enemy over Korea, where enemy fire was either received or expected. These missions were flown in a slow, unarmed, observation aircraft; and were instrumental in locating enemy strong points, and spotting for our artillery. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
October 27, 1950
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division: Serial 3069 (February 5, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Wallace D. Blatt (MCSN: 0-23261), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Helicopter in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 October 1950. A skilled and courageous pilot, Captain Blatt voluntarily flew his unarmed aircraft twelve miles behind hostile lines to rescue a downed pilot. Undaunted by the knowledge that the airman’s position was at the extreme operational range of his helicopter, he maneuvered his plane into mountainous terrain known to be infested with enemy troops and, in the face of severe turbulent winds, succeeded in evacuating the endangered pilot. His gallant initiative, airmanship and unselfish consideration for another served to inspire his squadron mates and undoubtedly saved the pilot from capture or possible death, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)Action Date:
October 22 – November 9, 1950
Commanding General 1st Marine Aircraft Wing: Serial: 3709 (April 25, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Wallace D. Blatt (MCSN: 0-23261), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flights, as a pilot attached to the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, from 22 October 1950 through 9 November 1950. Captain Blatt successfully completed his first through thirty-fifth combat mission against the enemy over Korea, where enemy fire was either received or expected. These missions were flown in a slow, unarmed, observation aircraft; and were instrumental in locating enemy strong points, and spotting for our artillery. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.