The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Commander Theodore Blanchard (NSN: 0-115299), United States Naval Reserve, for meritorious achievement as Commander of a group of close-in fire support ships during the assault and occupation of an enemy held island, July 1944. Assigned the mission of providing close-in fire support for a unit of our force engaged in the hazardous operation of preparing the southern landing beaches for our force, Lieutenant Commander Blanchard coolly and capably led his group alongside the coral reefs to close the enemy batteries and fire on targets of opportunity. Although opposed by machine gun and rifle fire, his ships ably assisted in keeping down enemy opposition so that the unit could successfully complete its important mission. His conduct throughout distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Landing Craft Infantry (L) GroupAction Date:
December 28, 1943 – February 28, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Theodore Blanchard (NSN: 0-115299), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commander of a Landing Craft Infantry [LCI(L)] unit engaged in operations for the capture of the southern half of Kwajalein Atoll and Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, during the period from 28 December 1943 to 28 February 1944. With cool and capable direction, and in an outstanding manner, he operated his ships in the face of enemy gunfire at close range and under difficult navigational circumstances. In one landing, his flagship and two ships of his unit were badly damaged by gunfire, in spite of which he continued the landing of troops. His conduct through was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.