Marine Ace Jefferson DeBlanc: Hero of the Pacific Theater

Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc, a distinguished U.S. Marine pilot, achieved ace status during World War II, marking an extraordinary chapter in military aviation. Born on February 15, 1921, in Lockport, Louisiana, DeBlanc’s journey began with a high school graduation in 1938, after which he opted for military aviation instead of college. Rejecting service in the Army, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines, entering flight training in July 1941.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant on April 3, 1942, and rated a naval aviator by May 4, DeBlanc joined the Marine fighter squadron VMF-112 shortly before it was deployed overseas. His first combat experience came during a dramatic encounter over Guadalcanal on November 12, 1942. He and his squadron faced a barrage of Mitsubishi G4M1 bombers targeting American shipping. DeBlanc later described it as “a fighter pilot’s dream,” despite the immediate dangers posed by enemy anti-aircraft fire.

A pivotal moment in his career unfolded on December 18, 1942, when he engaged a Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless dive bomber pursued by a Mitsubishi F1M2. In a decisive maneuver, DeBlanc successfully shot down the floatplane, showcasing his combat prowess.

His most significant day came on January 31, 1943, when he led a flight of Wildcats against enemy fighters and bombers. During this mission, DeBlanc downed several enemy aircraft but faced dire consequences. After successfully shooting down multiple opponents, he was wounded and forced to bail out of his damaged plane. Fortunately, he was rescued by local coastwatchers who facilitated his return to safety.

Unbeknownst to him, during the engagement, DeBlanc and his fellow pilot Staff Sgt. James A. Feliton had fought against Nakajima Ki.43 fighters, not the expected Zeroes. Their actions that day led to significant recognition, with DeBlanc being recommended for a Navy Cross and an Air Medal, the former later upgraded to the Medal of Honor, awarded by President Harry Truman on December 6, 1946.

DeBlanc continued to serve with distinction, earning a promotion to captain on May 31, 1943. He returned to the United States in June of the same year to work as a tactics instructor. His later service included participation in combat operations in the Marshall Islands in 1944 and the Okinawa campaign in 1945, where he achieved his ninth and final aerial victory.

Education was a lifelong pursuit for DeBlanc, who earned four degrees, including a Doctorate of Education from McNeese State University. He dedicated much of his post-military career to teaching mathematics and physics in schools across the United States and Europe while maintaining his reserve commission until his retirement as a colonel from the New Orleans Marine Air Group in 1972.

DeBlanc passed away in Saint Martinville, Louisiana, on November 7, 2007. His legacy extends beyond his military accomplishments; he authored “Once They Lived by the Sword,” published in 1988, and “The Guadalcanal Air War,” released in 2008, chronicling his experiences. DeBlanc’s life story reflects not only his valor in combat but also his commitment to education and service.