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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images -- Picture Data

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.

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Image Posted 29 June 2008