Robert Blake (USMC)
| Robert Wallace Blake | |
|---|---|
Robert Blake as brigadier general, USMC
|
|
| Born |
August 17, 1894 Seattle, Washington |
| Died | October 2, 1983 (aged 89) Oakland, California |
| Place of Burial | Golden Gate National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1917–1949 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Service number | 0-82 |
| Commands held |
5th Marine Regiment 21st Marine Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Navy Cross (2) Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) |
Robert Wallace Blake (August 17, 1894 – October 2, 1983) was a highly decorated Major General in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was a recipient of the second highest decorations of the Army and Navy, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross, both of which he earned during his service in World War I. Blake also received second Navy Cross during Nicaraguan Campaign.
Blake was born on August 17, 1894 in Seattle, Washington and attended the University of Washington. When United States declared War on Germany in April 1917, Blake reported for active duty and was commissioned Second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 19, 1917.
After finishing of basic training, he was assigned to the 17th Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and sent overseas to France. He arrived in France on November 19, 1917 and was appointed platoon leader in his company. Blake was also promoted to the rank of First lieutenant.
With the German Spring Offensive,5th Marine Regiment participated in the Battle of Belleau Wood at the beginning of June 1918. When the liaison between Blake's 17th Company and other 1st Battalion 49th Company was interrupted, First lieutenant Blake volunteered himself to maintained liaison with that unit. He crossed several times open field under heavy machine gun and sniper fire and reestablished the communication. Blake later crossed large wheat field under enemy fire and reached French unit. He subsequently returned with valuable information about enemy's position. For his extraordinary heroism in action, he was decorated with Distinguished Service Cross. He was later decorated with Navy Cross for the same action.
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