Frederick Blaser

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frederick Blaser, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SIXTEEN (VT-16), embarked from the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in operations against Japanese Naval Shipping in the Inland Sea of Japan at the Kure Naval Base on 24 July 1945. Ensign Blaser skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft in an attack on a battleship-carrier, in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit and near miss with his bombs which materially contributed to the sinking of this capital ship. His attack was made with courage and skill, without regard for his own safety and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01849 (September 17, 1945)