|
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting
Squadron 112. Place and date: Off Kolombangara Island in the Solomons group,
31 January 1943. Entered service at: Louisiana. Birth: 15 February 1921,
Lockport, La. 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 6 fighter planes in Marine Fighting Squadron 112, 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,
1st Lt. DeBlanc led his flight directly to the target area where, at 14,000
feet, our strike force encountered a large number of Japanese Zeros protecting
the enemy's surface craft. In company with the other fighters, 1st Lt.
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 withdraw without further incident. Although his
escort mission was fulfilled upon the safe retirement of the bombers, 1st
Lt. 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 3 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 2 Zeros
closing in behind. Undaunted, he opened fire and blasted both Zeros from
the sky in a short, bitterly fought action which resulted in such hopeless
damage to his own 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, 1st Lt. 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 U.S. Naval Service.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
| | |