Welford C. Blinn’s THIRD Navy Cross citation

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

Welford Charles Blinn

Captain [then 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 the Java Sea on 1 March 1942. Proceeding from Soerabaja as escort for two Allied Warships, Captain Blinn rendered heroic service when a large force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers attacked his formation. Undaunted by the superior firepower, he hurled the full fighting strength of his ship at the oncoming enemy, making full use of every facility at his command in an effort to overcome the attacking warships. With the other Allied ships put out of action during the bitter engagement, and with his own vessel sustaining some damage from enemy shellfire, he executed a strategic withdrawal and retired to the northeast. Within an hour his ship was once more under attack, challenged by enemy bombing planes. Directing a steady stream of deadly anti-aircraft fire against the viciously diving aircraft, he skillfully initiated evasive maneuvers at the commencement of each attack, continuing to give battle until the POPE, shuddering from a near miss on the eleventh bombing run, began to settle as a gaping hole was opened in the port side below the water line, and the port engine rendered inoperative. With but one engine functioning, Captain Blinn directed pre-abandon ship demolition operations and evacuation of the wounded. After the demolition charges had been set off and abandon ship operations completed, he gathered together the survivors in a motor whale boat and life rafts and succeeded in clearing the danger area prior to the POPE’s destruction by enemy cruiser fire. His masterly ship-handling, inspiring leadership, and great personal valor in the face of overwhelming odds reflect the highest credit upon Captain Blinn, his command and the United States Naval Service.