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| USN USS Lexington CV-16 VF-19  Yearbook c1941 |
Pilot Lt(jg) Robert W. Blakeslee, O-278524 USNR (MIA / KIA) Kalamazoo, MI MIA October 14, 1944 Pilot History Blakeslee enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR) on January 2, 1942. He claimed 1.5 aircraft in the air and 8 destroyed on the ground. Aircraft History Built by Grumman as model G-50 in Bethpage, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as F6F-5 Hellcat bureau number 58415. Wartime History Assigned to USS Lexington (CV-16) to Fighting Squadron 19 (VF-19). No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On October 14, 1944 took off from USS Lexington (CV-16) piloted by Lt(jg) Robert W. Blakeslee on a patrol mission. Once airborne, he spotted a formation of twin engine torpedo bombers at low altitude and dove into their formation. Attacking, he claimed two bombers and radioed that he was hit and oil pressure was low and planned to ditch approximately 200 miles off Formosa (Taiwan). After ditching, he was never seen again. When this aircraft failed to return he was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Memorials Blakeslee was officially declared dead on October 15, 1945. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Gold Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing. Relatives Gordon Steele (nephew of Blakeslee) "My Uncle Robert Blakeslee was a Hellcat fighter pilot who was killed after attacking 19 Japanese aircraft by himself on October 14, 1944. He flew off the USS Lexington. He was lost approximately 200 miles off Formosa. I have attached a combat loss form and several newspaper articles. If you have any information or can instruct me as to how I might be able to help locate his wreck I would appreciate it. Chances are very good that it was at sea so there is probably no hope. His wife (my aunt) hoped that he made it to one of the many islands in the area." References Navy Serial Number Search Results - F6F-5 Hellcat 58415 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List October 1944 - F6F-5 Hellcat 58415 Combat Loss Form - 14 October 1944 F6F Hellcat 58415 Robert W. Blakeslee Kalamazoo Newspaper "Robert Blakeslee, Missing Saved Pacific Naval Units" "Ilion Radioman Plays Role in 1-Against-20 Air Battle" November 16, 1944 The Times Herald "Flyer Tackles 19 Japs; Missing But Saved U.S. Fleet" by AP November 29, 1944 page 1 American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert W. Blakeslee FindAGrave - LTJG Robert W Blakeslee (photo) Thanks to Gordon Steele for additional information Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated November 18, 2024 |
 F6F  MIA 1 Missing |
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