BLONSKI-THOMAS

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Thomas Joseph John Blonski (NSN: 0-731168), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism on 10 May 1972 as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft in Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96), embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), during a major air wing strike against an enemy rail yard in North Vietnam. As the radar intercept officer in the lead aircraft of a section carrying out target combat air patrol, Lieutenant Blonski maintained visual contact with a format on of approximately sixteen enemy fighter aircraft and warned the retiring strike force of the oncoming threat. In the face of the overwhelming enemy odds, he aided his pilot in engaging the numerically superior aircraft and in pressing home several hard-fought attacks which resulted in the destruction of two enemy planes and the dispersion of the remaining aircraft out of range of the strike force. Lieutenant Blonski's professional skill, courage and dedication reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: May 10, 1972

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant

Company: Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96)

Division: U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret