Freeman B. Blair

NAME Freeman Bright Blair				NICKNAME —				MCSN 341404
HOME OF RECORD Route 1, Lewisburg, PA				NEXT OF KIN Guardian, Mr. William Leitzel
DATE OF BIRTH October 1, 1923		DATE OF ENLISTMENT December 30, 1941					DATE OF LOSS August 21, 1942
REGION Solomons	CAMPAIGN / AREA Guadalcanal		CASUALTY TYPE KIA			UNIT D/1/1st Marines			DUTY Mortars
CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS On 21 August 1942, Private Blair’s mortar platoon stowed their heavy weapons, picked up rifles, and set out to intercept the survivors of Colonel Kiyono Ichicki’s failed attack across the Tenaru River. The patrol led by Platoon Sergeant Michael Longazel made contact with a stubborn group, and Private Blair was shot in the side. He refused treatment until incapacitated by a second bullet through the shoulder. As the patrol attempted to evacuate its casualties, Blair was shot once again – this time through the head. Blair’s burial place is “unknown,” and it is possible that his body was not recovered from the field.
INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONS Silver Star, Purple Heart					LAST KNOWN RANK Private
STATUS OF REMAINS “Burial place unknown”					MEMORIALS Manila American Cemetery

Biography:
Temporarily removed for editing and updating. Contact the webmaster for information on this Marine.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Freeman Bright Blair (MCSN: 341404), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a patrol of Company D, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942. While engaged with several hostile patrols in the vicinity of the Tenaru River, Private Blair received a severe bullet wound in his side. Fighting on, despite intense pain and waning strength, he was eventually incapacitated by a bullet wound in his shoulder. While being carried to the rear for treatment of the second injury, he was struck in the head and killed by hostile fire. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Articles and Records: