Donald Blakeslee (Donald J.M. Blakeslee) was born in 1918 in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. From childhood, he was drawn to aviation; his friend owned a Piper “Cub,” on which he often flew.
With the outbreak of World War II, he wanted to fight fascism, but at the time, the United States was a neutral nation. Therefore, in 1940, Donald traveled to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Early Aviation and Allied Service
He arrived in England on May 15, 1941. By the summer of 1942, he had completed his first “tour,” accumulating 200 flying hours and shooting down 3 enemy aircraft. Soon after, he was assigned to the 133rd Squadron (the famous “Eagles”), and later joined the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).
From June 21, 1944, Blakeslee led fighter cover for bombers flying from Debden Air Base (England) to Poltava. This mission was critical for the protection of Allied strike formations.
Post-War Career and Leadership
After the war, he remained in military service, rising to the rank of colonel. He commanded the 27th Fighter Wing, a unit that flew F-84 Thunderjet fighters. He also led this distinguished unit during the Korean War.
Following the Vietnam War, he retired from service in 1972 and lived in Florida.