LETTER TO MR. MORTIMER M. CAPLIN FROM STANSFIELD TURNER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84-00313R000300050001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 1, 2002
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 18, 1978
• Content Type: LETTER

Approved For Rel~e 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313ROO~ifl0050001-3
is hereby nominated for the National Civil Service t_eague
Signature of Agency Head /~ Stansfielcl Turner
18 September 1978
Date
~'~~aSB Attach
~?~ ~JTild~iatst~t~
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 ? Central Intelli enccA envyy
Approved For Rela?ase 2002/05/01 : CI~-RD~84-00313R008~00050001-3
18 September 1978
Mr. Mortimer M. Caplin
Chairman of the Board
National Civil Service League
917 15th Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20005
Dear Mr. Caplin.:
It is my great pleasure to nominate Ivlr. John F. Blake
for the National Civil Service League's Career Service
Award.
As CIA's Deputy Director for Administration, and
during his serving as Acting Deputy Director of Central
Intelligence, Mr. Blake has had 'a vital role in our govern.-
went with regard to the availability of foreign intelligence.,
He has-long been recognized as an expert practitioner in
the field of administration and in recent years his
leadership and management abilities literally carried the
Agency through a period of tribulation and public scrutiny.
A4r. Blake's unswerving dedication to uphold this Agency's
capability to provide accurate and timely foreign
intelligence concerning all issues, simple and complex,
to the policymakers of our government deserves the respect
and appreciation of us all.
I nominate Mr. Blake ~4?ith genuine belief that his
career accomplishments are deserving of the recognition
which the League's Awards Frogram provides. His selection
would strengthen the .public service by highlighting the
true value and exceptional contributions of an outstanding
public administrator within the intelligence profession.
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For ReFq~se 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R00~00050001-3
SLIPy~1ARY
Name, Title and Grade
. Mr. John F. B1aIce
Deputy Director for Administration, EF-04
. Central Intelligence Agency
ttir~~~,;,,~+~? n r ~ncnc
Residence Address
Education and Degree . University of San Francisco
BS -Political Science
BS - Pre-Law
George ti~Vashington University
MA - International Affairs
TIie ivational Iti'ar College
~'Vashington, D. C.
Length of Service
35 years
'`The glue which held the Agency together." Those were words
which I used to describe the unique contribution made by John F. (Jack)
Blake during the seven months in which he served as Acting Deputy
Director of Central Intelligence and for which he deservedly received
his second Distinguished Intelligence Medal (DIh1), the Agency's
highest .award for performance of outstanding service. The period in
question, from July 1977 to February 1978, was a critical one in the
life of the Central Intelligence Agency. It was not an easy time as
difficult decisions, many of far reaching and critical importance. to
the very fibre of the intelligence profession were required. It was
a time of emotionalism and difficulties exacerbated by unprecedented
public-scrutiny and internal change. During these seven months, Mr.
Blake provided a steadying hard on me, the Agency and the entire
intelligence profession. His native versatility, dedication and acuity
when combined with his broad experience and distinguished service in
all major functional areas of the Agency p raduced an exemplary example
of leadership which sustained the Agency through a trying interim
period.
Mr. Blake, the Deputy Director for Administration, is the senior
administrative official within the CIA. He began his 3S years of service
to the United States Government with military service from 1943-1946 when
he served as a Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery and later with the wartime
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Rise 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313ROq~300050001-3
Office of Strategic Services (OSS). After the war, as OSS gradually
evolved to CIA, he served for several years as a collector of information
from open omestic sources and then in a personnel management role within
the Directs ate of Operations. His performance in these sensitive
positions re ulted in Agency-wide recognition in the form of t.~o formal
commendations for outstanding and meritorious service and 1 to his
selection in 1 53 as the Assistant Inspector General far ghat newly
created staff. !
In 1955 Mr. lake left the IG Staff to become t~iief of Administratian
for the Eastern Eu ope Division and then the Deputy;~Chief of Station for
Administration in t e Agency's then largest aversgghs facility. Here again
he was recognized fo outstanding achievement. ,He epitomized his oft repeated
slogan "Be a part of he solution, not of the ,~roblem."
His next Agency
Directorate of Science
signment, the Exec
d Technology pr
Blake's foresight and or
tion a stru
envisioned and put into m~
future science and technol
modern day technology was zi
That there exists a Strategi
Intel
ive Officer of the newly created
ided the ideal challenge for Mr.
en. Working with the DDSFT, he
ure which would meet the country's
genre reQuirements even though much
stence or even in planning at that time.
Limitation Treaty with the concomitant
~n is dramatic evidence of the effe~~~ss
ability for technical verific
of the organization Mr. Blake
as so instrumental in shaping.
Recognition of Mr. Blake's unique ab'lities continued with his
selection in June 1973 as Director of Pers el and in November of that
year with his appointment as Associate Depu Director far Administration.
Unparalleled success iln each of his ass'gruaents coupled with Mr.
Blake's breadth of Agency experience led to hi selection in August 1974
as the Deputy Director for ministration, the Agency's highest
administrative position. In this role he took cdnunand of major components
that serve abroad variety of highly essential functions. Among them, in
addition to the Offices of Logistics and Personnel, is the Office of Data
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Rel@~,se 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313ROOQ,300050001-3
Office of Strategic Services (OSS). After the war, as OSS gradually
evolved into CIA, he served for several yeaxs as a collector of information
from open domestic sources and then in a personnel management role within
the Directorate of Operations. His performance in these sensitive
positions resulted in Agency-wide recognition in the form of two formal
commendations for outstanding and meritorious service and led to his
selection in 1953 as the Assistant Inspector General for that newly
created staff.
In 1955 N1r. Blake left the IG Staff to become Chief of Administration
for the Eastern Europe Division and then the Deputy Chief of Station for
Administration in the Agency's then largest ovexseas facility. Here again
he was recognized for outstanding achievement. He epitomized his oft repeated:
slogan "Be apart of the solution, not of the problem."
His next Agency assignment, the Executive Officer of the newly created
Directorate of Science and Technology provided the ideal challenge for Mr.
Blake's foresight and organizational acumen. Working with the DDS~T, he
envisioned and put into motion a structure which would meet the country's
future science and technology intelligence requirements even though much
modern day technology was-not in existence ar even in planning at that time.
That there exists a Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty with the concomitant
ability for technical verification is dramatic evidence of the effectiveness
of the organization Mr. Blake was sa instrumental in shaping.
In 1966 Mr. Blake was assigned to the Office of Logistics first
as Deputy Director and then as Director from 1970 to 1973. He assumed
these responsibilities at a critical time, for in Indochina the winds
of war were blowing and CIA was becoming deeply involved in massive
logistical activities in support of U.S. Government programs in the area.
To meet the unprecedented challenge, P~7r. Blake directed the complete
restructuring of the supply system to initiate a decentralized method
of procurement with the capability to draw on the production capacity
of allied nations to ensure the steady flow of essential materials.
Recognition of Mr. Blake's unique abilities continued with his
selection in June 1973 as Dir~:;tor of Personnel and in November of that
year with his appointment as ssociate Deputy Director for Administration.
Unparalleled success in each of his assignments coupled with Mr.
Blake's breadth of Agency experience led to his selection in August 1974
as the Deputy Director for r~rninistration, the Agency's highest
administrative position. i:~ this role he took command of major components
that serve a broad variety of highly essential functions. Among them, in
addition to the Offices of Logistics and Personnel, is the Office of Data
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R009.~00050001-3
Processing, the nerve center for all CIA. ADP activities, the Office of
Communications, possessor of unequalled capabilities to provid? nearly
instantaneous secure communications to and from Washington, D. C. to
any country in the world, the Office of Medical Services, the Office of
Security, the Office of Finance and the Office of Training.
But perhaps mare important than a cataloging of the large and
complex organization headed--and in many ways designed--by Mr. Blake is
an appraisal of the man himself. For 35 years each task. he has under-
taken was accomplished supremely well and he left his imprint on each
successive organization as he moved upward through the Agency chain of
command. To his Directorate of Administration, Mr. Blake brings an
extraordinary range of abilities: skill in directing a large and
varied organization; extensive and practical knowledge of alI Agency
activities; and above all, the wisdom to arrive at sound judgments and
the unwavering integrity to defend his decisions within the highest
echelons of our government.
In summary there can be little doubt that during his distinguished
career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Air. Blake, by dint of his
.breadth of experience, personal dedication, and clearly demonstrated
managerial ability, has made significant and invaluable contributions
to the mission of the CIA and has become a shining example for all who
aspire to leadership roles as professional administrators in CIA and
indeed throughout the entire Intelligence Community.
His steadying influence on all CIA employees including several
Directors and Deputy Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency-has
had a profound impact on the ability of the intelligence profession to
meet the challenges of the past and present and has laid the groundwork
for continued success in the future. I can only echo-what a former
Director of Central Intelligence said in thanking Air.. Blake far his
superior achievement and support "I personally am in your debt as are
the Central Intelligence Agency and our country."
Submitted by:
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Re1~se 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R0@~00050001-3
NOMINATING STATEMENT OF MR. JOHN F. BLAI~
FOR THE CAREER SERVICE AWARD
"The glue which held the Agency together." Those words were used
by the Director of Central Intelligence, Admiral Stansfield Turner, to
describe the unique contribution made by John F. ("Joel:") Blake during
the seven months in which he served as Acting Deputy Director of Central
Intelligence and for which he received his second Distinguished
Intelligence Medal (DIRT), the Agency's highest award for performance of
outstanding services. The period in question, from July 1977 to
February 1978, was a critical one in the life of the CIA. "Turbulent"
was Admiral Turner's word for a time charged with emotion and fraught
with the difficulties created by a period of unprecedented public
scrutiny and internal change. During his time as Acting Deputy Director
of Central Intelligence, Jack Blake, again in the DCI's words, was "a
+corly;ng hand" an all thane uraL.TMid his;. "His native ~aersatilit?,',
J .+v I.L\L Lt
dedication and acuity when combined with his broad experience .and
distinguished service in all major functional areas of the Agency
produced an exemplary example of leadership which. happily sustained the
Agency through a trying interim period."
How did this career administrator accrue the wisdom and insight and
build the skills which made it possible for him to manage in the DCI's
absence, not only the personnel, logistical, communications, data
processing and financial activities of CIA but also the intelligence
collection and production elements and the scientific and technological
aspects of the Agency's work? The answer lies in his extraordinarily
diverse background and a career which included successful assignments in
every .directorate of CIA.
His organizational roots run deep, reaching back to service
with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) from 1945 to 1946. Following
graduation fxom the Universitti- of San Fx?ancisco in 1943 with a BS degree
in Political Science, he joined the military and completed Officer
Candidate School in March 1944. He was a Lieutenant in the Coast
Artillery when he was transferred to OSS, which first trained him in
Japanese language and then assigned him to its Washington Headquarters..
Following his discharge in 1946, he was hired by the Strategic Services
Unit (SSU), the successor to OSS, and subsequently transferred to the
Central Intelligence Group (CIG), the immediate forerunner of CIA,
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Rase 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000050001-3
After several years spent collecting intelligence from open
domestic sources, he moved to the Directorate of Operations in a
personnel management role, after which he became an Assistant
Inspector General in the formative years of that Office. It was
here, perha s, when he began to develop the extraordinary "feel"
for the vari ty of problems facing the disp ate components of the
Agency, and w en his incisive analytical t tint was honed. It is
significant th t during this period (1953,55), he was already being
described as "q lified for the highest ,administrative-type job in
the Agency."
In 1955 Mr. B1
the division with res
onsibility fo
tly became
Europe, and he subsequ
in what was then the Ag
familiarity with the prat
overseas grew during these
led to his selection to att
cy's lar
ical p
ld
of Administrative Support for
Agency operations in Eastern
eputy Chief of Station for Administration
st overseas installation. His intimate
blems of supporting Agency activities
tints and his outstanding performance
he National tivar College, graduate school
,tint service. As a member of the Class of
for the finest minds in Gove
'63, he began the academic w
International Affairs from
His next Agency assi
man and opportunity., for
of Research just as it w
Science and Technology.
seminal role in the ere
dealing with the Intel
electronic and other t
programs of this. comp
no overstatement to c
reconnaissance progr
with SALT agreements
leading to his Master of Arts degree in
gorge Washington University.
tint was
e became
one of those fortuitous meldings of
he Executive Officer of the Directorate.
being reo
Working with
tion of an org
anized into today's Directorate of
the first DDS~T, he played a
izational structure capable of
potential of exploding
igence collectio
chnology. Necessarily the details of the
tint of CIA remain highly classified, but it is
aim that- development of an effective overhead
on which independent verification of compliance
elies, was due in no small measure to the structure
Mr. Blake helped to create, an organization of flexibility, breadtl~~8 NTL
exceptional creativity.
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Ruse 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R~300050001-3
After several years spent collecting information from open
domestic sources, he moved to the Directorate of Operations in a
personnel management role, after which he became an Assistant
Inspector General in the formative years of that Office. It-was
here, perhaps, when he began to develop the extraordinary "feel"
for the variety of problems facing the disparate components of the.
Agency, and when his incisive analytical talentwas honed. It is
significant that during this period (1953-55), he was already being
described as "qualified for the highest administrative-type job in
the Agency."
In 1955 Mr. Blake became the Chief of Administrative Support for
the division with responsibility for Agency operations in Eastern
Europe, and he subsequently became Deputy Chief of Station for Administration
in what was then the Agency's largest overseas installation.. His intimate
familiarity with the practical problems of supporting Agency activities
overseas grew during these assignments and his outstanding performance
led to his selection to attend the National War College, graduate school
for the finest minds in Government service. As a member of the Class of
'63, he began the academic work leading to his Master of Arts degree in
International Affairs from the George Washington University..
His next Agency assigiunent was one of those fortuitous meldings
of man and opportunity, for he became the Executive Officer of the
Directorate of Research just as it was being reorganized into today's
Directorate of Science and Technology. Working with. the first DDS~T, he
played a seminal role in the creation of an organizational structure
capable of dealing with the intelligence collection potential of
exploding electronic and other technology. Necessarily the details of
the programs of this component of CIA remain highly classified, but it
is no overstatement to claim that development of an effective overhead
reconnaissance program, an which independent verification of compliance
with SALT agreements relies, :aas due in no small measure to the structure
Mr. Blake helped to create, an organization of flexibility,: breadth and
exceptional creativity.
Moving from the technical and glamorous to the potentially
mundane and routine, he was next assigned to the Office of Logistics,
first as Deputy Director (1950 and subsequently Director (197Q-73).
The challenge was, in fact, anything but mundane. CIA was becoming
deeply involved in Indocrina in a number of programs assigned. to it by
the President. Several of these programs involved massive logistical
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Rel~e 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313ROOQ,3A0050001-3
support activity, same of them military, others related to the civil
operations and reconstruction efforts of the U.S. mission in Vietnam.
The ultimate collapse of the U.S. national policy in that area can
never obscure the accomplishment of individuals who tried to make
this policy work. Mr. Blake, faced with unprecedented supply problems, was
a prime mover in the development of a decentralized procurement system
which extended all over the Far East, drawing upon the production
capacities of many allied nations to ensure a steady flow of essential
material. This massive effort in Asia had to be carried out, of course,
without interrupting the support provided to all other Agency elements
scattered around the globe.
Success in managing these logistics activities brought anew
opportunity and challenge when, in June 1973, the then Director of
Personnel unexpectedly resigned and Mr. Blake was asked to replace
him. This recognition of versatility was soon reinforced by his
elevation late that year to the position of Associate Deputy Director
for Administration (ADDA). He would have one other chance to show his
ability to pick up a new specialty when he was asked in March 1974 to
serve as Acting Director of Security during a brief interregnum in
that office following the retirement of its Director. In August 1974
after receiving his first DIM, he fu~.filled the prediction of the
Inspector General, made 20 years before, and he indeed took an "the
highest administrative-type job in this Agency," as the Deputy Director
for Administration.?
A. most imaginative, able and broadly experienced officer, Mr. Blake
is-one of a relatively small number of officers who has served in alI
four directorates of CIA as well as on the Staff of the Inspector
General. His performance over the years has been consistently outstanding,
and his contributions to the development of projects, programs or offices
with which he has been associated have brought him well deserved accolades
from peers and superiors alike. Blessed with a keen intellect, an
exceptional managerial ability, a driving energy, and a thorough
knowledge not only of the CLA but of the government milieu in which it
operates, Mr. Blake has brought to the Agency an expertise that would be
difficult to eRual; and it is Lair to say that his contributions to the
efficiency and effectiveness of CIA programs and operations have
increased almost in direct proportion to his advancement to successive
positions of increasing responsibilities.
Particularly noteworthy in Mr. Blake's career has been his concern
for the needs of personnel ~t all grade levels. He has been a strong
advocate of the open-door policy and has championed the cause of employee
rights. Perhaps as a result of his rising throught the ranks, but also
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Reuse 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R0~00050001-3
attributable to his genuine interest and compassion for people, Mr.
Blake enjoys tremendous respect from the people he leads. Employees
from all levels and walks of life continually seek his advice and
counsel for both personal and professional problems. Despite his
staggering work schedule, Mr. Blake has never turned an employee away
or given short shxift to any employee concern regardless of its seeming
lack of importance when viewed against other areas demanding his
immediate attention.
Articulate and well versed in the many facets of Agency
activities, A1r. Blake has been a most welcome speaker in internal and
interagency training programs and briefings,'and he has also been an
exceptionally fine representative of the Central Intelligence Agency
in such external training programs as the National War College and the
BrooldngsInstitution Conference for Federal Executives.
Mr. Blake, who is married to the former Frances Foley of-San P~:ateo,
California; and who has five eiauahters, is a devoted fa_mi 1y man,
Between his family and an exceptionally demanding work schedule there
has been little time to give to social and civic activities. nevertheless.
Mr. Blake has been interested in church affairs and as their daughters
progressed through the educational process, Mr, and *~rs. Blake have
shown an equal interest in high school and university activities.
Ira the past eight years Mr. Blake has met some of his greatest
challenges. Changing mores within our society and the emergence of a
national concern for equality for all people required creative action
in rethinking past approaches to personnel management and the introduction
of nevr ideas. in bringing about a fair deal for everyone. As usual, Mr.
Blake was playing an instrumental role in revitalizing the CIA personnel
system so that the rights of all employees and potential employees would
be protected. Promotion and evaluation systems and hiring programs were.
reviewed to be certain that there was no bias against any person for any
reason. .Obstacles were swiftly overcome and the result is a dynamic
Directorate program for affirmative Equal Employment Opportunity which
is.canfirmed by statistical e~d.dence and which has been pointed out
as an example for the rest of the Agency.
Dsr. Blake's special expertise was again called upon during the
difficult months of the investigations of the Central Intelligence Agency
in 1974 and 1975.. Revelations of CIA wrongdoing, some true but most
exaggerated or unfounded altogether, were published on literally a
daily basis. Employee morale had sunk dangerously low. Questions were
raised by the press regarding the continued necessity for the very
existence of the Central Intelligence Agency and criticism on all fronts
seemed to be the order of the day. There was never a greater need for
someone to sound a note of optimism and to cormnunicate the idea that the
-4-
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Relate 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313ROOQ~p0050001-3
Laotian Communists and their North Vietnamese allies. Others were
related to the civil operations and reconstruction efforts of the U.S.
mission in Vietnam. The ultimate collapse of the U.S, national policy
in that area can never obscure the accomplishment of individuals who
tried to make this policy work. Mr. Blake, faced with unprecedented
supply problems, was a prime mover in the development of a
decentralized procurement system which extende all aver the Far East,
drawing upon the production capacities of m allied nations.to ensure
a steady flow of essential material. This sive effort in Asia had
to be carxied out, of course, without int rupting the support provided
to all other Agency lements scattered a and the globe.
Success in managi these logistic activities brought a new
opportunity and challen e when, in J e 1973, the then Director of
Personnel unexpectedly r igned and Blake was asked. to replace
him. This recogzLition of rsatil' y was soon reinforced by his
elevation late that year to e po ition of Associate Deputy Director
for Administration (ADDA). Hew ld have one other chance to show his
ability tv piCk u~, a riew Sp2~..ia. y wileii lie was asked iit iiarC.i'a ini7?''t tO
serve as Acting Director of Se ur'ty during a brief interregnum in
that office following the re reme of its Director.- In August 1974,
after receiving his first D he filled the prediction of the
Inspector General, made 2 years befo and he indeed took on "the
highest administrative-t e job in this gency," as the Deputy Director
A most imaginative able and broadly e erienced officer, i-1r. Blake
is one of a relatively small number of offic s who has served in all
four directorates of CIA as ttiell as on the Staf of the Inspector
General.. His performance over the years has been consistently outstanding,
and his contributions to the development of projects, programs or offices
with which he has been associated have brought him well deserved accolades
from peers and superiors alike. Blessed with a keen intellect, an
exceptional managerial ability, a driving energy, and a thorough
knowledge not only of the CIA but of the government milieu in which it
operates, bor. Blake has brought to the Agency an expertise that would
be difficult to equal; and it is fair to say that his contributions to
the efficiency and effectiveness of CIA programs and operations have
increased almost in direct proportion to his advancement to successive
positions of increasing resp;nsibilities.
Particularly noteworthy in bor. Blake's career has been his concern
for the needs of personnel at all grade levels. He has been a strong
advocate of the-open-door policy and has championed the cause of employee
rights. Perhaps as a result of his rising through the ranks, but also
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Relea~ 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R000,'i60050001-3
American system of intelligence was vital and that the CIA would not
only survive the ordeal but would emerge stronger because of it. Mr.
Blake filled the void as only he could and crisscrossed. the globe to
inform employees as to what was truly happening, dispelling rumors and providing
a much needed boost to all employees. His infectious enthusiasm, vitality and
personal integrity were instrumental in keeping the CIA on track and producing
intelligence up to its fullest capabilities.
In summary there can be little doubt that during his distinguished
career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Mr. Blake, by dint of his
breadth of experience, personal dedication, and clearly demonstrated
managerial ability, has made significant and invaluable contributions
to the mission of the CIA and has become a shining example for all who
aspire to leadership roles as professional administrators in CIA and indeed
throughout the entire Intelligence Community.
His steadying influence on all CIA employees including several
Directors and Deputy Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency has had
a profound impact on the ability of the rotelligence profession to meet
the challenges of the past and present and has laid the groundwork for
continued success in the future. A,~ a former Director of Central
Intelligence said in thanking Mr. Blake for his superior achievement and
support "I personally am in your debt as are the Central Intelligence
Agency and our country."
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 STAT gpproved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
Next 2 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Relea~2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R0003(~,QD50001-3
Afte
domestic
personnel
several years spent collecting intelligence from open
urces, he moved to the Directorate of Operations in a
Inspector Ge
here, perhaps
agement role, after which he became an Assistant
eral in the formative years of that Office. It`was
when he began to develop the extraordinary "~~eel"
for the variet
Agency, and whe
significant that
described as "qua
the Agency."
of problems facing the disparate components of the
his incisive analytical talent was honed: It is
during this period (1953-55), he was al-ready being
:ified for the highest administrative=type job in
In 1955 Mr. Blak
became the Chief of Administrative Support for
the division with resp
Europe, and he subseque
in what was then the Age
risibility for Agency operations in Eastern
`
tly became Deputy Chief~
of Station for Administration
familiarity with the pract
overseas grew during these
for the finest minds in Gove
's largest overseas 'installation. His intimate
cal problems of supporting Agency activities
signments and his outstanding performance
the National War College, graduate school
'63, he began the academic work
nt service. As a member of the Class of
eading,.'to his Master of Arts degree in
ge Washington University.
His next Agency assignment was p
man and opportunity, for he became;'th
of Research just as it was being.`reorg
e of those fortuitous meldings of
Executive Officer of the Directorate
Science and Technology. Working with th
ized into today's Directorate of
first DDSFT, he played a
seminal role in the creation of an organi
dealing with the intelligence collection po
tional structure capable of
ential of exploding
electronic and other technology. Necessaril
programs of this component'of CIA remain high
no overstatement to claim that development of
the details of the
classified, but it is
effective overhead
fication of compliance
reconnaissance program,?~`on which independent ver
with SALT agreements ,relies, was due in no small
Mr. Blake helped to;~reate, an organization of fle
exceptional creati;t~ty.
ibility, breadth ~~TINTL
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Relea~2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R0003Q~9050001-3
Office of
evolved into
from open dome
the Directorate
positions resulte
commendations for o
Operations. His performance in these sen . tive
in Agency-wide recognition in the form otwo formal
tstanding and meritorious service and J:ed to his
the Assistant Inspector General for a?hat newly
selection in 1953 as
created staff.
In 1955 Mr. Blake
for the Eastern Europe D
eft the IG Staff to become Chief of Administration
vision and then the Deputy ,Chief of Station for
~cy's then largest oversees facility. Isere again
Administration in the Age
he was recognized for outs
slogan "Be apart of the so
ding achievement. He epitomized his oft repeated
tion, not of the p~,~oblem."
His next Agency assignme
Directorate of Science and Te
t, the Executx7re Officer of the newly created
Blake's foresight and organizati
ology prov~,~.ed the ideal challenge for Mr.
al acumen. Working with .the DDSF~T, he
'
envisioned and put into motion a
future science and technology inte
modern day technology was not in exit
i~ence requirements even though much
~tence or even in planning at that time.
station Treaty with the concom$~4"1NTL
That there exists a Strategic Arms L'i
~
ability for technical verificatio~'`
is
ramatic evidence of the effectiveness
trumental in shanin~.
Reco tion of Mr. Blake's unique abilities Conti
selection 'n June 1973 as Director of Personnel and in
nparalleled success in each of his assignments co
year wit his appointment as Associate Deputy Director f
vember of that
r Administration.
s breadth of Agency experience led to his selection
e Deputy Director for Administration, the Agency's hig
.August 1974
es t
or components
nistrative position. In this role he took command of ma
that serve abroad variety of highly essential functions.
~'ddition to the Offices of Logistics and Personnel, is the Of
ategic Services (OSS). After the war, as OSS gradu 11y
IA, he served for several years as a collector of information
is sources and then in a personnel management ole within
~ruct~re which would meet the country
s
ng them, in
ice of Data
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Releas~02/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R00030Q,~50001-3
Others wq~e
re a e o e civi opera ions an reconstruction efforts of ~~ie U.S.
mission in Vietnam. The ultimate collapse of the U.S, nation~~ policy
in that area. can never obscure the accomplishment of indivi
tried to make th policy work. Mr. Blake, faced with unp
supply problems, s a prime mover in the development of
decentralized proc ement system which extended all over
drawing upon the pr duction capacities of many allied n
a steady flow of ess tial material. This massive eff,~
to be carried out, of
to all other Agency el
is who
~edented
the Far East,
tions,to ensure
rt in Asia had
nurse, without interrupting tl~~ support provided
ents scattered around the glcibe.
Success in managing t
opportunity and challenge
ese logistics activities"brought a new
en, in June 1973, tl~~ then Director of
Personnel unexpectedly resi
_
him. This recognition of ver
ed and Mr. Blake teas asked to replace
atility was soa~i reinforced by his
elevation late that year to th
for Administration (ADDA) . I-ie
position of#~.ssociate Deputy Director
ability to pick up a new specialt
uld have sine other chance to show his
when he was asked in March 1974 to
serve as Acting Director of Securi
that office following the retiremen
after receiving his first DIM he
Inspector General, made 20 years be
highest administrative-type job in_
A most imaginative, able
is one of a relatively small
General. His performance o
and his contributions to t
with which he has been as
from peers and superiors
exceptional managerial
knowledge not only of
operates, A!!r. Blake
be difficult to equ
the efficiency and
increased almost
positions of inc
for the needs
advocate of
rights. Pe
du~~ng a brief interregnum in
its Director. In August 1974,
filled the prediction of the
and he indeed took on "the
gency," as the Deputy Director
,d broadly e
ber of offi
Il as on the St
er the years has
e development of pr
ociated have brought
alike. Blessed with a
erienced officer, Mr. Blake
ff of the Inspector
een consistently outstanding,
ects, programs or offices
m well deserved accolades
bility, a driving energy,
en intellect, an
.d a thorough
milieu in which it
he CIA but of the governmen
s brought to the Agency an exp
and it is fair to say that his
effectiveness of CIA programs and op
direct proportion to lzis advancement
easing responsibilities.
ontributions to
rations have
to successive
y noteworthy in Mr. Blake's career has been Ii
of personnel at all grade levels. He has been
he open-door policy and has championed the cause
baps as a result of his rising through the ranks, b
xtise that would
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-O~Q313R000300050,QQ~T3
If he had it Lo do over again, the
head of the 2 million member Ab'L?
CIO coalition of federal, postal and
state government worker union says
he would. not endorse Jimmy Carter
for president:
W. Howard McClennan, president of
the big and influential Public Employ-
ees Department of the AFL-C10 says
he and his .members have been com?
pletely disenchanted with Carter. He
says the president has backed off on
promises to support equal govern-
- ment-industry pay, vetoed a reduced
workweek for firefighters he Prom-
NIIKE CAUSEY
Disenchanted with Carter
era and grass roots supporters that I
are . organized . labor's ultimate
weapon.
McClennan said fellow union lead-
ers are raging over Carter's "hard
line" toward .civil servants. With or-
ganized labor in government cool to-
ward :Carter, and the White House
planning various unpopular (to the
unions) changes in pay and pensions,
McClennan predicts 1979 will be a
"very tough" year for the average fed.
If so, he predicts the 1980 year could
be "very rough" for Carter.
The Federal Diary
he would .advise members to "sit it
Retirement Pay ,Changes: The Fed?
eral Times today reports that the Car-
ter administration is thinking about
eliminating one of the two annual cost
of living raises for U.S. workers. The
weekly newspaper says administration
Blemi er s epu y
The Seat: National Civil Service
Lea a has g ven s pres gious
awar s- or ou s an ng career serv-
arraY of lobbyists on Capitol Hill, and ice- o o e ureaucracy s es .
provides even more important. finan- Winners are Bohn F. Blake, deputy di-
cial and human resources during key rectgr of the nn'Z-Caracristi,
.elections. The AFL-CIO unit believes cryptology expert at the National Se-
it was instrumental iri giving- Carter curity Agency; Julius L. Katx, assist-
.his margin over former piesident ant secretary of State; R'illiam E.
Ford. Lilly, comptroller of -the space-
McClennan said the days are "gone" agency; Peter G. McCabe, chief of mag-
when federal and postal unions- within istrates, U.S. courts; Thomas S. Mc?
the AFL-CIO automatically endorse Fee, HEW's super-level personnel
Democratic candidates. When re- chief; George. J. McQuoid, deputy ex-
quests for financial assistance come in ecutive director of the Civil Service
now, he said,' his office- "checks the Commission; Edward G. Sanders, dep?
record" to see whether handout-seek- uty. associate director, Office of Man-
re worthy of the pur- agement and Budget; Dorothy L. Star?
a
l
rtacians
mg po
~~hh o loc of i to fund rais- buck, benefits director of the VA, and
Ap
o~ve~r~~~tg~?~~Rc~~~~f~ : isCa6A-RDR819~~1Oh~t~6t~39~k06D0.19?I~is-
out" if the 1976 election were rerun
today. _ .. _. _
ised (August 1976) to sign, and has not sources believe they could save mil-
pushed political reforms of the Hatch lions each year if retired federal and
Act with vigor. military personnel were held to one
McClennan's bitterness towards the cost-of?living increase annually. Cur-
Carter presidency is more significant rently retirees get two raises-in
than that of a one-issue union chief March and September-to keep -pace
unhappy with a Democratic president. with the cost of living.
He sits on the AFL-CIO executive Andy Biemiller, perhaps the na?
council, is president of the miliiant tion's most influential and durable
Firefighter Association and enjoys lobbyist, will retire shortly as head of
the good will of fellow Bostonian AFIrCIO's .legislative department.
Thomas P. O'Neill to whom McCien- He'a had the top job since 1958, was a
nan gave his first job. O'Neill, cone- two-term member of Congress from
time grocery stock boy, currently is Milwaukee (a Democrat) and is cred-
speaker of the House. ited with. putting the union label on
In .a session .with reporters yester- virtually every piece of social, welfare
day, McClennan said. Carter "looks ?egislation of the past three decades.
like aone-term president." He said he Biemiller, 72, will be succeeded by his
.would. have a hard time supporting 51?year-old .assistant- Ben .Young.
Carter if he runs- again. Ile stopped Young is a veteran o4 the AFL-CIO
short of saying he would endorse a Capitol"Hill cadre, working as a legis-
Republican for the top office,. but said lative representative before becoming
'll d t seven years ago
CPYRGHT
 Approved Felease,~OHQEOWASHINGTON STA~(GREEN LINE)
Article appeared 4 December 1978
ors page A-11
1U FEDERAL- E~-AI~Lt~1lEES~ RECEIV~~~
DiSTtN~U1SHE1~ SFRVI~E AWARD-
Ten federal employees have been
named as winners of the National
Civil Service League's 24th annual
awards for distinguished public serv-
ice.
The league is anon-partisan. non-
profit citizens organization estab-
lished in-1881 to promote the merit
system in public employment..
The winners-are:
John F. Blake. deputy director for
administration, CIA; Ann Z. Cara-
cristl'~cryptologist, Nationat Security
Agency; Julius L. Kate.. assistant
secretary of State for econoinia. and.
business: aftairs:; William E. Lilly,
associate administratorlcomptrollec.
National. Aeronautics -and Space Ad-
ministration; Peter ~ G, McCabe,
chiet, division of ma istrates, admin-
istrative o[fice of the~.S. Courts.
AIso, Thomas S. McFee, assistant.'
secretay _for personnel administra-
tion Department of Health, Educa-
tion and Welfare; George J.
McQuoid; deputy executive director,
Civil Service Commission; Edward
G.. Sanders, deputy associate direr-
for for international affairs, Office of
Management and Budget; Dorothy
Z. Starbuck,,. chief benefits director?
Veterans. Administration.. and Wil-
liars E. Williams,- deputy commis-
. sioner..Internal8evenue Service,..
CPYRGHT
r
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
f
 Approved For Ruse 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-00313R0~00050001-3
The Central Intelligence Agency .gave the press release on
Mr. Blake to the following publications:
San Francisco Chronical
San Francisco Examiner
San Francisco Progressive
Oakland Tribune
San Mateo Times
Contra Costa Times (county)
University of San Francisco Alumni Magazine
Alexandria Gazette
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 Approved Forelease 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003T3Ft000300050001-3
l~londay, December 4, 1978
`l'he Alexandria Gazette 3
John F. Blake, of Alex-
andria, a senior official of
the Central intelligence..
agency, has-been selectee}
as a recipient o~ this year's
National War College in
1963,. and has an i#~1.A.
degree from- the George
Washington University.
National Civii_Service A5 AN ARiyIY officer in
League Career Service World War II, he served in
sward. The National: Civil the Office of Strategic Sergi
Ser"vice League Award: is vices (OSS), the wartime
awarded- annually to 10 ,.Predecessor of the CIA. He
public servants for efficien- Jorned the,-CIA when it was
cy. quality and economy in formed in 1947 and is the
government management. senior ranking career of- ,
Stake has had a 35-year facer of the agency..
career in intelligence. He Currently the CIA's depu-
graduated in 1843 from the ty director for ad-
University of San Fran- ministration, Blake is one
risen, and attended the of a very few career CIA..
officers who has served- in
senior positions in each of
the. agency's major com-
ponents and in-both
domestic and overseas
locations, an agency
spokesman said.
Blake has long been.
recognized- as an expert
practitioner in the field of
administration the
spokesman said. In his
nominating statement, .the
director of Central
Intelligence, Adm. Stan-
sfield Turner, calls Blake a
"shining example for alt
who aspire to leadership
roles as professional ad-
ministrators in CIA--and
throughout the Intelligence
community:"
TUItNEkt ALSU refers to
Blake's contribution as '
acting deputy director of
Central Intelligence fro
July 1977 until Februa>
1978, stating that `his
native versatility, dedica-'
tion and acuity when com- ~'
biped- with his- broad ex-
perience and distinguished-
service in all major func-
tional areas of the agency
produced an exemplary ex-
ample of leadership which
sustained the agency
through a trying interim
period."
Blake was born in San
J{JI'dIY BLAKE
Awarded For Work
CPYRGHT
Francisco, Calif. He is
married to .the farmer
Frances Foley bf San
14iateo, Calif. They are the
parents of five daughters
and live in Alexandria.
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
 STATINTL Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt
Approved For Release 2002/05/01 :CIA-RDP84-003138000300050001-3