RADM John D. Blitch, USN
Class of 1934
Attended The Citadel for 2 years, then offered a chance at a Naval Commission at USNA. He received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as a carrier based pilot on 20 June 1944. As strike leader he led his formation of dive bombers to maximum range while searching for the Japaneese fleet. He attacked the enemy force while fighting off enemy aircraft and sunk 2 tankers, 1 destroyer, damaged 3 others and shot down 5 enemy Zero's all while at minimum fuel.Later was granted naval command of Continental air defenses.