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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
NAME SAKE
USS BLANDY (DD-943)
World War II/American Theater
From Month/Year
December / 1941
To Month/Year
September / 1945
Description The American Theater was a minor area of operations during World War II. This was mainly due to both North and South America's geographical separation from the central theaters of conflict in Europe and Asia. Thus, any threat by the Axis Powers to invade the mainland United States or other areas was considered negligible, allowing for American resources to be deployed in overseas theaters.
This article includes attacks on continental territory, extending 200 miles (320 km) into the ocean, which is today under the sovereignty of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other smaller states, but excludes military action involving the Danish territory of Greenland, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Aleutian Islands. The most well known battles in North America during World War II were the Attack on Pearl Harbor (the first attack on US soil since the Battle of Ambos Nogales), the Aleutian Islands Campaign, the Battle of the St. Lawrence, and the attacks on Newfoundland.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal