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.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 341404
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
Individual Decorations
Silver Star
Purple Heart
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.
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.
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.
Memorials
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.
