Frank William Blake

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank William Blake (0-325981), Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber, in action on 24 October 1944, during the Second Battle of the Philippine Sea. Ensign Blake participated in an attack which contributed materially to the annihilation of an enemy battleship, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire. The action he was part of removed a serious threat to our ground forces in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0533 (September 11, 1945)