Blake joined the 1st New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry in December 1861. He was serving as a
Sergeant in Company G when he performed his act of bravery at the April 5, 1865
Battle of Sailor's Creek, Virginia. His Medal was awarded to him on July 3, 1865, with a citation that reads "Charged into the enemy's ranks and captured a battle flag, having a horse shot under him and his cheeks and shoulders cut with a saber." He died in Essex County, New Jersey, and was buried in
Rosedale Cemetery, Orange, New Jersey. == Medal of Honor citation ==