Former 4th FG/CC, wife enter final resting place

Col. Donald Blakeslee receives the Distinguished Service Cross from Gen. Dwight Eisenhower April 11, 1944. Colonel Blakeslee was commander of the first American fighter squadrons to reach Berlin during World War II. In the 4th Fighter Group Colonel Blakeslee was the first American P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot to shoot down a German aircraft. (Photo courtesy of the 8th Air Force Historical Society)

Former 4th FG/CC, wife enter final resting place

Published Aug. 31, 2009
By Dr. Roy Heidicker
4th Fighter Wing historian

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Col. Don Blakeslee, who passed away Sept. 3, 2008, and his wife, Leola, will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery during a public ceremony Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. The 4th Fighter Wing will perform a flyover at the ceremony.

Colonel Blakeslee served in the Eagle Squadrons, commanding the 133rd Eagle Squadron which later became the 336th Fighter Squadron. In the 4th Fighter Group, Colonel Blakeslee was the first American P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot to shoot down a German aircraft.

Colonel Blakeslee went on to command the 4th Fighter Group during a critical period in World War II. His decisive leadership, personal courage and drive inspired the group to destroy 1,016 German planes, the highest total ever by any American group or wing. Colonel Blakeslee was a triple ace with 17.5 German planes destroyed. Among his citations were a Silver Star with three oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with seven oak leaf clusters.

Colonel Blakeslee is considered by many as the greatest air combat leader of all time.