William Henry Purnell Blandy (28 June 1890 – 12 January 1954), known to close associates as "Spike",[2] was an admiral in the United States Navy during World War II.

Born in New York City 28 June 1890, Blandy graduated first in his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1913.

He participated in the occupation of Veracruz, Mexico in 1914 and served on board the battleship USS Florida with the British Grand Fleet during World War I.

About the time we would be within a little less than a mile from the beaches, a battery of shore guns up on the side of Mount Surabachi would start taking pot-shots at us.

"[6] In late 1946, a minor controversy erupted over a published photo (shown at left) of Vice Admiral Blandy and his wife cutting an "atomic cake" in an event celebrating the disbandment of the team behind Operation Crossroads.