Photo #: NH 105855
Captain Jefferson J. DeBlanc, USMCR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official
publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy",
page 175.
Jefferson J. DeBlanc was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity" while serving as leader of a
section of six Marine Fighting Squadron One Hundred Twelve (VMF-112)
fighter planes as they escorted aircraft bombing Japanese surface
vessels off Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, 31 January
1943. When enemy planes counter attacked, DeBlanc shot down five
of them. Due to battle damage and low fuel, he bailed out of
his airplane, landing off Kolombangara Island. He was rescued
by friendly local residents and, after clandestine radio communications
by a coast-watcher, was recovered by a U.S. Navy patrol plane.
DeBlanc was a First Lieutenant during this time.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 57KB; 580 x 765 pixels |
 |