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Freeman Bright Blair

Private Freeman B. “Bright” Blair served with Dog Company, First Battalion, 1st Marines.
He was killed in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 21 August 1942.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 341404

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

October 1, 1923
at Milton, PA

Foster Parents*

William Ernest Leitzel
Leah Ruth (Strassner) Leitzel (d. 1936)

Education

Details unknown

Occupation & Employer

Farm laborer

*Freeman was raised by the Leitzels from a young age. The names of his birth parents are not currently known.

Service Life

Entered Service

December 30, 1941
at Philadelphia, PA

Home Of Record

Lewisburg, PA

Next Of Kin

Guardian, Mr. William Leitzel

Military Specialty

Mortarman

Primary Unit

D/1/1st Marines

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal

Individual Decorations

Silver Star
Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Through the pre-dawn hours of 21 August 1942, the First Battalion, 1st Marines listened anxiously as their Second Battalion comrades fought a desperate battle along the banks of Alligator Creek. The firing slowed towards daybreak, and the First Battalion was ordered to counterattack. There was no need to carry heavy weapons along, so the 81mm mortarmen of Company D – including Private Freeman Blair – picked up rifles, and set out to intercept the survivors of Colonel Kiyono Ichicki’s failed attack.

Historian William Bartsch notes that the mortarmen were used as a blocking force for any Japanese hoping to escape from the left (western) bank of the river. “Bright” joined a ten-man scouting patrol led by Platoon Sergeant Michael Longazel. A “conglomeration” of Japanese solders appeared, and in the ensuing fracas Private Blair was shot in the side. He refused treatment and fought on 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.

“Bright” Blair was awarded a posthumous Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action.

Burial Information or Disposition

Although Dog Company lost several men killed during the day’s action – including three from Longazel’s patrol – Freeman Blair is the only one not recovered. No burial information exists in any known source.

Next Of Kin Address

The Leitzels lived on a farm on Rural Route 5 outside of Lewisburg.

Location Of Loss

Private Blair was on patrol in the vicinity of Alligator Creek, Guadalcanal.

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