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Last Address FRANCES JOSEPH BLOUIN Vice Admiral, United States Navy DATE OF BIRTH: 07/23/1910 DATE OF DEATH: 01/24/1993 BURIED AT: SECTION 1 SITE 200-A ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
Date of Passing Jan 24, 1993
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Francis Joseph Blouin
Vice Admiral, United States Navy
Retired Vice Admiral Francis Joseph Blouin, 82, who served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations and Secretary of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, died of cardiac arrest January 24, 1993 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
A longtime District resident, Admiral Blouin was a native of Northbridge, Massachusetts, and attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1929.
Commissioned in 1933, he served on and commanded several ships during WWII and earned a Silver Star.
After the war he commanded the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force, which doubled in size during his tenure. The admiral's sea duty spanned World War WII, the Korean War, the Lebanon crisis in the late 1950s and the Vietnam War.
He also worked in the Office of USN Communications, serving as staff communicator for the historic meeting at sea between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in August 1941.
Shortly after his selection as Rear Admiral in 1959, he became Secretary of the Joint Chiefs. He also served in a variety of other positions. He retired from active duty in 1971.
Admiral Blouin was a member of the Chevy Chase Club's board of governors and was an active member of the Church of the Annunciation in the District.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosalie; a daughter, a son, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters.
A memorial service will be held at the Fort Myer Chapel on February 2 at 1:45 pm, with burial following in Arlington National Cemetery.
Other Comments:
Awards included the:
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2), Silver Star, Legion of Merit with "V" and Bronze Star with "V"
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 Vice Admiral Francis Joseph Blouin (NSN: 0-72447), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy), from June 1968 to July 1971. Directly involved in shaping the strategic posture of the United States and the military force structures for the present and future defense of the nation, Vice Admiral Blouin, as principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations on matters under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided the sound judgment and knowledge required to resolve many complex issues of national importance. Routinely in contact with the highest levels of Government in the State and Defense Departments, Vice Admiral Blouin advised the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on international politico-military affairs. His insight in the fields of Joint Strategic/Conventional Force requirements and, in particular, the Navy contribution to the United States Force structure was invaluable to the Chief of Naval Operations. By his exceptional professional competence, leadership, diplomacy, and dedication, Vice Admiral Blouin reflected great credit upon himself and the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.