Col. Don Blakeslee ... 1917-2008

[Chicoartist]

Just heard via a reliable source that Col. Blakeslee passed away today. He always said he'd live to be 90, and he made it on the nose.

Wade

Last edited by Chicoartist on Wed Sep 03, 2008 9:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Jerry O'Neill]

God speed, Col. Blakeslee.
On of the greatest air combat commanders ever.
Jerry

[Chicoartist]

Just a few pics I nicked off my site ...












Wade

[Jack Cook]

He ranks right up there with the likes of Olds, Thatch, Zemke & Leon Johnson. RIP



with Don Gentile


133 Eagle Squadron Chesley Robertson, Bill Arends, Charles Cook, Jessie Taylor & Don Blakeslee

[MattP38]

God speed.

[RyanShort1]

Now there is a man I truly wish I'd had the opportunity to meet. What a legend. I don't know if I've ever personally heard a bad word about his service.

Ryan

[henning]

A true american maverick and hero. Always wanted to meet him but regrettably never was in the right place or the right time. Thank you for your service sir. Always
remembered. I too was happy to see he made 90. I know he really missed his wife
after her passing. Always wished he had written a book about his times.. that would
be a good read! If anyone has other pictures, that would be a great tribute!

Thanks again Jack & wade for again making WIX special with your collections. My
hats off to you.

henning

[RickH]

Godspeed, Col Don.

[Cripes A Mighty]

Man....................

[hang the expense]

The Colonel will live on in the thoughts of all of us.Another great has gone but will not be forgotten.

[jasonp51d]

Godspeed - a true fighter leader.

Always think of the following poem in such circumstances.

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."

High Flight
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

[Robbie Roberts]

I hadn't even known he was still alive... I wish I had- I would have like to have met him as well... We have another thread on "Heroes" he was one who belonged on the good list...

Good Hunting, Colonel!
Robbie

[Robbie Stuart]

Farewell to another great Airman of our Greatest Generation. Thank you for your service sir, & may God Bless.
Robbie

[Jesse C.]

Vaya con Dios, Colonel

[Starduster77]

RIP Sir.
Rick