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Started By
Message
81 years ago today
Posted on 1/31/24 at 5:31 pm
Posted on 1/31/24 at 5:31 pm
quote:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
FIRST LIEUTENANT JEFFERSON J. DEBLANC
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of a Section of Six Fighter Planes in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE, during aerial operations against enemy Japanese forces off Kolombangara Island in the Solomons Group, 31 January 1943. Taking off with his section as escort for a strike force of dive bombers and torpedo planes ordered to attack Japanese surface vessels, First Lieutenant DeBlanc led his flight directly to the target area where, at 14,000 feet, our strike force encountered a large number Japanese Zeros protecting the enemy's surface craft. In company with the other fighters, First Lieutenant DeBlanc instantly engaged the hostile planes and aggressively countered their repeated attempts to drive off our bombers, persevering in his efforts to protect the diving planes and waging fierce combat until, picking up a call for assistance from the dive bombers under attack by enemy float planes at 1,000 feet, he broke off his engagement with the Zeros, plunged into the formation of float planes and disrupted the savage attack, enabling our dive bombers and torpedo planes to complete their runs on the Japanese surface disposition and to withdraw without further incident. Although his escort mission was fulfilled upon the safe retirement of the bombers, First Lieutenant DeBlanc courageously remained on the scene despite a rapidly diminishing fuel supply and, boldly challenging the enemy's superior number of float planes, fought a valiant battle against terrific odds, seizing the tactical advantage and striking repeatedly to destroy three of the hostile aircraft and to disperse the remainder. Prepared to maneuver his damaged plane back to base, he had climbed aloft and set his course when he discovered two Zeros closing in behind. Undaunted, he opened fire and blasted both Zeros from the sky in short, bitterly fought action which resulted in such hopeless damage to his plane that he was forced to bail out at a perilously low altitude atop the trees on enemy-held Kolombangara. A gallant officer, a superb airman and an indomitable fighter, First Lieutenant DeBlanc had rendered decisive assistance during a critical stage of operations, and his unwavering fortitude in the face of overwhelming opposition reflects the highest credit upon himself and adds new luster to the traditions of the United States Naval Service.
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
Posted on 1/31/24 at 5:43 pm to jeffsdad
No but A lot of people on this board knew him. He was from down da bayou.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 5:48 pm to Jim Rockford
He shot down 5 planes in a few minutes while flying a damaged f4f wildcat. He bailed out and was found by some indigenous islanders who bartered him,to another tribe,for a sack of rice.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:14 pm to Jim Rockford
quote:Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play
81 years ago today
They've been going in and out of style
But they're guaranteed to raise a smile
So may I introduce to you
The act you've known for all these years
Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:36 pm to Jim Rockford
quote:
No but A lot of people on this board knew him. He was from down da bayou.
My Dad knew him.
We were at the WW2 Museum one time and we were talking to an old squadron mate of his. This old guy told us that Col. DeBlanc could fly the box the plane came in.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:40 pm to Babewinkelman
quote:
He shot down 5 planes in a few minutes while flying a damaged f4f wildcat. He bailed out and was found by some indigenous islanders who bartered him,to another tribe,for a sack of rice.
As a Cajun (or at least Cajun-adjacent) you know part of him had to at least respect this deal a little bit.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:43 pm to Babewinkelman
quote:
He bailed out and was found by some indigenous islanders who bartered him,to another tribe,for a sack of rice.
Col. DeBlanc once told my Dad that he felt fortunate…not many people know what their value in life is, but he knew. He was worth a sack of rice.
This post was edited on 1/31/24 at 6:43 pm
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:43 pm to Jim Rockford
Wow! That’s all I got. Just, wow! American hero.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 6:49 pm to 89AUTiger
Tough old bastard it sounds like. Salute! Love hearing stories like these about true patriots.
Posted on 1/31/24 at 7:00 pm to Jim Rockford
The old History Channel show Dogfights had an episode about his flight. He tells the story about knowing exactly what you're worth.
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