Welford C. Blinn’s SECOND Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the NAVY CROSS to

Welford Charles Blinn

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. With his vessel illuminated by the enemy, and under heavy gunfire from enemy Japanese cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Commander Blinn delivered a vigorous attack with guns and torpedoes, scoring several gun hits and at least two torpedo hits on the opposing forces. Following the attack, he displayed fine seamanship and excellent judgment in extricating the U.S.S. POPE from a situation of grave peril, thereby saving the ship from serious damage. This spirit of determination reflects great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Blinn, his command, and upon the United States Naval Service.