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Blandy, William Henry Purnell "Spike" (USN)

Date of birth:
June 28th, 1890 (New York, United States)
Date of death:
January 12th, 1954 (St. Albans/New York, United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance from 19 February 1941 to 9 December 1943. During the period of intensive preparedness prior to our entry into the war and since the actual outbreak of hostilities, Rear Admiral Blandy, by keen foresight and sound analysis, successfully formulated and executed plans for rapid expansion of all ordnance activities incident to the effective prosecution of full-scale naval warfare. Under his thorough and resourceful administration urgent organizational problems were competently solved and vital armament requirements adequately fulfilled with maximum efficiency and minimum delay. His forceful initiative and superior technical skill contributed materially to the progressive effectiveness of our coordinated war effort and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while organizing and commanding the assault force engaged in the amphibious attack on Japanese-held Angaur Island during the period of July to September 1944. Rear Admiral Blandy displayed outstanding ability in forming, training, and operating his force. Under his aggressive direction the assault of Angaur was brought to a rapid and completely successful conclusion. His personal courage, determination, and excellent leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while commanding a naval task force engaged in the pre-invasion assault upon Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, during the period from 16 February 1945 to 19 February 1945; and in the pre-invasion assault operations upon Japanese-held Okinawa Gunto, Nansei Shoto, including the capture of the Japanese islands of Kerama Retto during the period 25 March 1945 to 1 April 1945. He displayed exceptional ability in planning, organizing, and operating his forces, and his actions contributed materially to the success of two major operations. His personal courage, determination, and outstanding leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

This award was obtained in the form of a second Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Rank:
Vice Admiral
Unit:
Joint Task Force 1, Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded for:
Operation Crossroads
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. As Commander, Joint Task Force ONE, during Operation CROSSROADS, from 11 January 1946 to 1 November 1946, he displayed sound judgment, broad vision and leadership and initiative of the highest order in organizing, planning and directing the activities of a joint Army-Navy task force during Operation CROSSROADS. His inspiring leadership and wisdom won for him the confidence and loyalty of a large task force which included not only military and naval personnel, but also civilian elements. He carried out an operation of vast scope and of great importance to the future defense of the United States in a thorough and flawless manner. His outstanding performance of duty was Task Force Commander, was, at all times, a credit to the Navy and to the country. His personal courage, determination, and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

This award was obtained in the form of third Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Sources