The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 10 May 1972. On that date, despite barrage fire of all calibers of anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles, and numerous MiG aircraft in the area, Major Blake, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, steadfastly led his flight in ordnance deliveries to provide an essential protective shield for a following Strike Force targeted against the vital Paul Doumer Bridge. As a result of his heroic efforts in providing this necessary protection, the strike flights that followed were able to successfully interdict the Paul Doumer Bridge, effectively halting the flow of large quantities of vital supplies and ammunition destined for use by the North Vietnamese invaders, across the Demilitarized Zone in the Republic of Vietnam. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 12 September 1972. On that date, Major Blake participated in a mission against a vital fuel storage facility. Despite an aggressive attack by two hostile jet fighters and very heavy ground fire, Major Blake delivered his ordnance with devastating effect. His courageous actions contributed greatly to the destruction of this important military target. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 10 June 1972. On that date, Major Blake, despite intense ground fire and hostile aircraft in the area, delivered his ordnance with devastating precision on the Lang Chi hydro-electric power generator complex, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and aeronautical skill in contributing to the complete destruction of the facility. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 21 June 1972. On that date, Major Blake led an important Pave Way strike against a complex of warehouses deep in North Vietnam. Despite intense hostile reactions, he effectively guided his flight of delivery aircraft on target with devastating accuracy leaving the entire area engulfed in a sea of flames. His actions resulted in the total destruction of several warehouses containing supplies vital to the North Vietnamese war effort. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 11 May 1972. On that date, Major Blake participated in a dangerous and sensitive mission against a very strategic combination highway and railroad bridge connecting a main supply artery deep within hostile territory. Despite surface-to-air missiles and intense anti-aircraft artillery fire over the target, Major Blake was successful in interdicting this important supply route, greatly hampering the hostile forces’ re-supply effort. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Robert E. Blake, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as as an F-4D Aircraft Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 25 May 1972. On that date, Major Blake led a flight of four fighter aircraft on a raid deep within hostile territory. Despite nearly impossible weather conditions, surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft fire, and attacking hostile aircraft, Major Blake placed his ordnance on target. His accurate bombing resulted in the destruction of a major railroad bridge, a vital link in the hostile force’s supply network. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Blake reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.