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.

With the German spring offensive, 5th Marine Regiment participated in the Battle of Belleau Wood at the beginning of June 1918.

He crossed several times open field under heavy machine gun and sniper fire and reestablished the communication.

Blake also received Croix de guerre 1914-1918 with two Gilt Stars from the Government of France and Order of the Crown, rank of Chevalier from Belgium.

On 8 July 1940, Blake was promoted to the rank of colonel and was assigned to the Senior Course at the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island.

The 3rd Marine Division participated in Bougainville campaign, and Blake personally coordinated and planned amphibious operations.

In this capacity, Blake accepted the surrender of the Truk Islands Japanese Garrison under the command of Vice Admiral Chūichi Hara on 4 October 1945.

A month later, Blake was appointed commanding general of the Occupation Forces, Truk and Central Caroline Islands.