Donald Blakeslee

Donald James Matthew Blakeslee
Born(1917-09-11)September 11, 1917
Fairport Harbor, Ohio
DiedSeptember 3, 2008(2008-09-03) (aged 90)
Miami, Florida
Buried
AllegianceUnited States
Canada
Service / branchUnited States Army Reserve (1938–40)
Royal Canadian Air Force (1941–42)
United States Army Air Forces (1942–47)
United States Air Force (1947–65)
Years of service1938–1965
RankColonel
UnitNo. 401 Squadron RCAF
Commands4440th Aircraft Delivery Group
27th Fighter-Escort Group
4th Fighter Group
335th Fighter Squadron
No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron RAF
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross (2)
Silver Star (2)
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (8)
Air Medal (8)
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)

Donald James Matthew Blakeslee (September 11, 1917 – September 3, 2008)[1] was an officer in the United States Air Force, whose aviation career began as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force flying Spitfire fighter aircraft during World War II. He then became a member of the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons, before transferring to the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. He flew more combat missions against the Luftwaffe than any other American fighter pilot,[2] and by the end of the war was a flying ace credited with 15.5 aerial victories.

  1. ^ "Col. Donald J. Blakeslee". Sun Sentinel. 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  2. ^ Hevesi, Dennis (2008-10-12). "Led P-51 fighters, first to reach Berlin". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved 2008-10-12.