The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commanding General of a Marine Division during the planning for, and operations against the Japanese on Bougainville, British Solomon Islands from 10 September 1943 to 4 January 1944. During this period, Colonel Blake capably coordinated the work of the executive and special staffs in planning and executing the difficult amphibious operations. He consulted with and advised the Commanding General and officers of all other units, with relation to the numerous details involved in the solution of problems of logistics. In addition, he assisted in planning for the establishment of a naval base, and boat pool. He was responsible for the coordination of air and naval support, and the strategic planning of an attack conducted under the most adverse conditions, resulting from tropical climate and enemy opposition. His sound judgment and professional skill contributed materially to the success of the campaign and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Blake is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Navy Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 46 (1919)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 First Lieutenant Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Bois-de-Belleau, France, 6 June 1918. When the line was temporarily held up, Lieutenant Blake volunteered and maintained liaison with the Forty-Ninth Company, continually crossing and re-crossing an open field swept by intense machine-gun fire. Later in the engagement he established liaison with the French unit on the left flank, crossing a wheat field under heavy machine-gun and sniping fire, and returned with valuable information.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
April 23, 1944 – June 20, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Brigadier General Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Island Commander, Guam, from 23 April 1944 to 15 March 1945 and as Deputy Island Commander from 16 March to 20 June 1945. His previous experience and thorough understanding of the mission to be accomplished was of inestimable value in formulating policies and working out administrative details for the successful organizing of the Island Command on Guam. During the initial phases of the occupation of the island his driving energy and tireless efforts set an outstanding example for all personnel. His comprehensive grasp of the scope of overall island development and his understanding, correlation and integration of the multiple Island Command. His complete devotion to duty and conduct throughout were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Brigadier General Blake is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6 – July 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) First Lieutenant Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Blake distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6 – July 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) First Lieutenant Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Blake distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918. (SECOND Citation)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
11th Regiment, 2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)Action Date:
February 10 – June 30, 1929
Authority – USMC Communiqu: 082-1-3 (19 March 1930)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Captain Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua from 10 February to 30 June 1929, successively as Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, and Battalion Commander in the Eleventh Regiment, U.S.M.C. As Company Commander and Battalion Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, he was engaged in and led active combat patrols against bandits. During this time he distinguished himself by his personal courage and bravery. His qualities of leadership and ability in the line of his profession were outstanding. As a Battalion Commander, Captain Blake originated and successfully conducted important coordinated active combat operations against bandits in Western Nueva Segovia which were of great value in the suppression of banditry in this area.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6, 1918
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Robert Blake (MCSN: 0-82), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Bois-de-Belleau, France, 6 June 1918. When the line was temporarily held up, Lieutenant Blake volunteered and maintained liaison with the 49th Company, continually crossing and re-crossing an open field swept by intense machine-gun fire. Later in the engagement he established liaison with the French unit on the left flank, crossing a wheat field under heavy machine-gun and sniping fire, and returned with valuable information.