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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Ludy James Blakely (ASN: 0-383112), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Malabon, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 February 1945. Captain Blakely commanded an infantry company committed to the right flank of the assault company during a battalion attack along the Pasolo-Malabon road against the enemy-held town of Dampalit. He accompanied the lead squad forward under enemy fire along the top of a narrow dike which provided the only route of approach to the objective. As the attack progressed, radio communication failed, and, knowing the need for coordinating the attack with his rear platoon, Captain Blakely ran two hundred yards along the top of the dike under enemy machine gun and rifle fire to contact this platoon. After issuing orders to it, he returned through the enemy fire, took a position at the head of the assault platoon, and gave the signal to attack. An enemy machine gun opened fire and severely wounded him, causing a compound fracture of his left leg. Despite his wounds, he refused to be evacuated and directed the completion of the attack. In order to keep the litter bearers from exposure to the enemy fire, he painfully crawled to the rear where his wounds were treated and he gave necessary instructions to his executive officer. Captain Blakely, through his exceptional bravery, indomitable courage, and inspiring leadership, materially aided his company in successfully completing its mission. His outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 11 – August 14, 1943
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 375 (1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ludy J. Blakeley (ASN: 0-383112), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while serving with the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, at New Georgia from 11 July to 14 August 1943. Volunteering to assist the consolidation of a regiment when it was placed under a new commander while it was in action, he found that the entire S-2 section of the regimental headquarters had been evacuated. Information concerning the enemy was lacking, and the intelligence and reconnaissance platoon was disorganized and depleted. By noon of the day after his arrival, he had consolidated the S-2 section of the regiment and skillfully assisted in forming an efficient intelligence organization. Later, he aided in the consolidation and successful movement of a company that had encountered heavy sniper and machine gun fire, and was temporarily disorganized because of the loss of its commander. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of First Lieutenant Blakeley and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.