Donald James Matthew Blakeslee | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | September 11, 1917 Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
| Died | September 3, 2008 (aged 90) Miami, Florida |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States Canada |
| Service/ | United 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 service | 1938–1965 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | No. 401 Squadron RCAF |
| Commands | 4440th Aircraft Delivery Group 27th Fighter-Escort Group 4th Fighter Group 335th Fighter Squadron No. 133 (Eagle) Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished 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.
- ^ "Col. Donald J. Blakeslee". Sun Sentinel. 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
- ^ Hevesi, Dennis (2008-10-12). "Led P-51 fighters, first to reach Berlin". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved 2008-10-12.