Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc: A Marine’s Legacy

Early Life and Military Aspirations

Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc, born on February 15, 1921, in Lockport, Louisiana, demonstrated an early affinity for both physicality and intellect. After graduating high school in 1938, he opted out of higher education to pursue a career in military aviation. Displaying a strong sense of regional identity, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, rather than the Army, voicing his opposition to joining what he termed “the Yankee army.”

Aviation Training and Commissioning

DeBlanc commenced his naval flight training in July 1941, transferring to the Marine Corps upon completion. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on April 3, 1942, and attained his naval aviator rating by May 4. Shortly thereafter, he joined Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-112, just in time for the unit’s deployment overseas, collecting essential flight experience on the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat.

Combat Experience in the Pacific

DeBlanc’s operational debut occurred on November 12, 1942, above Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. Teaming up with VMF-121, his squadron engaged a formation of Mitsubishi G4M1 bombers targeting American shipping. Despite facing intense antiaircraft fire, DeBlanc effectively challenged the enemy, claiming his first aerial victory by downing a bomber.

His subsequent interaction with enemy aircraft unfolded on December 18, where he targeted a Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless dive bomber being pursued by a Mitsubishi F1M2 biplane. DeBlanc’s strike resulted in a decisive kill.

Noteworthy Engagements and Valor

Promoted to first lieutenant, DeBlanc faced a setback on January 29, 1943, when mechanical failure forced him to eject from his Wildcat. He was quickly rescued by the destroyer Jenkins (DD-447).

Just two days later, while leading a formation of eight pilots, DeBlanc encountered enemy fighters while supporting a mission against enemy shipping near Kolombangara. Utilizing effective tactics, he shot down multiple enemy aircraft, collaborating with Staff Sgt. James A. Feliton to deploy mutually supportive maneuvers. The engagement led to DeBlanc’s remarkable achievement of downing five enemy aircraft in a single day.

Escape and Rescue

After sustaining injuries and being forced to bail out, both DeBlanc and Feliton parachuted into Vella Gulf. They swam to Kolombangara and relied on local coastwatchers for their eventual rescue, which was arranged through a relay to the Solomon Islands Air Command.

Acknowledgment and Recognition

Unbeknownst to them, the “Zeros” they engaged were, in fact, Nakajima Ki-43 fighters newly assigned to Rabaul. The aerial combat resulted in credit being erroneously attributed to Japanese Sgt. Takeo Takahashi, who would later be killed in action in 1944.

Following the successful mission, DeBlanc was recommended for the Navy Cross and an Air Medal by his squadron commander. Ultimately, his actions earned him an upgrade to the Medal of Honor, which he received from President Harry Truman on December 6, 1946.

Continued Service and Academic Accomplishments

Promoted to captain on May 31, 1943, DeBlanc transitioned to a role as a tactics instructor back in the United States. He later served with VMF-422 in the Marshall Islands and returned to more active combat during the Okinawa campaign, ultimately achieving his ninth aerial victory near Yokoate.

Beyond his military accomplishments, DeBlanc dedicated himself to education, earning four degrees, including a Doctorate of Education from McNeese State University. His teaching career spanned multiple institutions across the United States and Europe. He maintained a reserve commission until retiring as a colonel from the New Orleans Marine Air Group in 1972.

Legacy

Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc passed away on November 7, 2007, leaving a multifaceted legacy that melded military service with educational advocacy. He documented his experiences in two notable publications: “Once They Lived by the Sword” and “The Guadalcanal Air War,” capturing both his personal narrative and broader historical context.

Through his valor, educational commitments, and contributions to military aviation, DeBlanc’s life exemplifies the spirit of resilience and dedication inherent in Marine Corps tradition.