This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Michael D. Withers (Mike), OSCS
to remember
Blandy, William Henry (Spike), ADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town New York
Last Address St Albans, New York
Date of Passing Jan 12, 1954
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
William H. P. Blandy graduated 1st in his class from the Naval Academy in 1913. He participated in the occupation of Veracruz in 1914 and served on board a battleship with the British Grand Fleet during World War I.
During World War II he was Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance; Commander, Group 1, Amphibious Force, Pacific Fleet; and Commander, Cruisers and Destroyers, Pacific Fleet. After the war he commanded JTF 1 during the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. He commanded the 2nd Task Fleet and later served as Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.
He was a veteran of both World Wars as well as Vera Cruz, Mexico. He is, however, most known for overseeing the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Island in the Pacific Ocean.
Other Comments:
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy, United States Navy, 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.
Action Date: February 19, 1941 - December 9, 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral William Henry Purnell Blandy, United States Navy, 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.
Action Date: July - September 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral
Florida Class Battleship: Displacement 21,825 Tons, Dimensions, 521' 6" (oa) x 88' 3" x 30' 1" (Max). Armament 10 x 12"/45 16 x 5"/51, 2 x 21" tt. Armor, 11" Belt, 12" Turrets, 3" Decks, 11 1/2" Conning Tower. Machinery, 28,000 SHP; Direct Drive Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 20.75 Knots, Crew 1001.
Operational and Building Data: Laid down by New York Shipbuilding, Camden NJ., March 15, 1909. Launched December 23, 1909. Commissioned August 31, 1911. Converted and reclassified Target Ship AG-16, April 1, 1932. Decommissioned (War Loss). Stricken November 13, 1944.
Fate: Sunk by Japanese aircraft during attack on Pearl Harbor Hawaii, December 7, 1941. Her hulk still rests rolled over in her berth, serving as a memorial to this day. 6 Officers and 58 Men were lost with the ship and remain on duty.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
