"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."
From 1st Lt. DeBlanc's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on December 6, 1946.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
His harrowing tale told by himself.
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