Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Samuel
Vernon
Blair
August 14, 1917

–

October 28, 1983

Born:

Peoria

, 

Illinois

Home:

Minneapolis

, 

Minnesota

Buried: 

Lake Forest

, 

California

Cemetery:

Ascension

During World War II, Samuel Blair became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he flew with the 56th Fighter Group and participated in the second U.S. Air Force jet crossing of the Atlantic. He retired in 1964 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    341st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    348th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Samuel Vernon Blair (ASN: 0-432176), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 341st Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    341st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    348th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 116 (March 1, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Samuel Vernon Blair (ASN: 0-432176), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a P-47 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 341st Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    341st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    348th Fighter Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Samuel Vernon Blair (ASN: 0-432176), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 and P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 341st Fighter Squadron, 348th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.