Richard L. Blain’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Richard Lloyd Blain

Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve)

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-ONE (VMSB-241), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. During the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Captain Blain, in the face of withering fire from Japanese fighter guns and anti-aircraft batteries, dived his plane to the dangerously low altitude of four hundred feet. After releasing his bomb on the carrier, he brought his severely damaged craft down to a safe landing on the water, where he and his gunner remained afloat for two days before being rescued. His courageous determination and extreme disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.