Death of WW II Ace, and Medal of Honor Recipient

Chiron · Post by **Chiron** » December 3rd, 2007, 7:08 am

Col. Jefferson J. DeBlanc , Sr. , USMC ( ret ) died yesterday , Nov. 27,
2007 at Lafayette, LA . He was 86 years of age. On Jan. 31, 1943 ,
during ariel operations against the Japanese , off of Kolombangars Island in the Solomons, an enemy fleet was spotted headed for Guadalcanal. US dive bombers were sent to attack the fleet along with
fighter aircraft escort to protect the bombers. Col. LeBlanc led six
fighter planes , one - man Grumman Wildcats. Arriving at their rendezvous location , Col LeBlanc discovered that his fuel supply was dangerously low. Two oiher planes had already turned back for the same reason. Col LeBlanc and three other planes remained for the fight. He rationalized that while he would likely run out of gas , that he could survive a bailout into the Pacific. The four planes waged fierce combat operations against the Japanese until they picked up a call from the dive
bombers for assistance. They were under attack from enemy float planes
.

The fighters broke off combat with the Zeros and commenced to engage the more immediate threat , and successfuly disrupted the savage attack, allowing the bombers to continue in their attack of the Japanese fleet. In one particular incident, with a Jap plane on his tail, Col LeBlanc suddenly cut his power and dropped his flaps , nearly stopping the plane in flight. The enemy plane flew right past
his plane and he immediately had the enemy plane in his sights, and
shot him down.

Col. LeBlanc was successful in shooting down two float planes and three Zeroes , until his own plane was hit, causing the instrument panel to burst into flames, necessitating him to jump at a very low and unsafe altitude. Col LeBlanc, supported only by his life vest , swam eight miles to an island where he was soon discovered by natives, and immediately imprisoned in a bamboo cage. Later, they traded him to another islander in exchange for ten pounds of rice. As luck would have it, the islander was in the employ of the Australian Coast Watchers who were working for US forces in the Pacific. He was soon returned safely to his base .

He had eight kills to his credit at this time. After a six month tour back in the US training pilots , he returned to the Pacific, where he shot down a Kamikaze plane at the Battle of Okinowa. Col DeBlanc was awarded the Medal of Honor by Pres. Harry S. Truman at the White House on December 6th, 1946. His other honors were The Purple Heart, several Bronze stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

RTO · Post by **RTO** » December 3rd, 2007, 7:20 am

I loved that ''I'll just hit the brakes and he'll fly right past us'' story. THAT's where 'Top Gun' got that from! :D

RIP Sir, and blue skies forever!

~S~

Invictus · Post by **Invictus** » December 3rd, 2007, 9:53 am

What a STUD!

It never ceases to amaze me that these bold, humble men walk amongst us unnoticed.

I was at the National Scouting Museum this weekend with my Cub Scout Den. One of our Docents was of the age to be that generation, and he noticed my KIA bracelet from Somalia, asked what unit I was in. After I told him he thanked ME for my service! When I asked him who he served with, he said 1st Marine Division from 1942-1945.

RIP Col DeBlanc...you led the way.

Gordo173 · Post by **Gordo173** » December 3rd, 2007, 10:03 am

RIP Warrior

Steadfast · Post by **Steadfast** » December 3rd, 2007, 1:49 pm

God Speed & Blue Skies Sir!

~S~

Fishboy · Post by **Fishboy** » December 3rd, 2007, 5:57 pm

RIP Sir,

289sotherhalf · Post by **289sotherhalf** » December 4th, 2007, 7:21 am

Ranger Ron · Post by **Ranger Ron** » December 4th, 2007, 1:36 pm

RIP, Sir! Prayers to his family.

cams · Post by **cams** » December 4th, 2007, 6:10 pm

Rest in peace Sir. Damn fine man sounds like.

Good story OG, I love meeting and talking to FOGS, leaves me in deep respect for what they have done and seen. Living history right there.