RADM John D. Blitch, USN
Class of 1934
Hometown: Charleston, SC
- Attended The Citadel for 2 years, prior to graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1936. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1938, he began his combat service when he flew into Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. As a dive bomber pilot, he served in seven major Pacific campaigns during World War II. He completed his celebrated career as a Rear Admiral, USN(ret) in 1959. He is the recipient of fourteen citations from the President of the United States and eleven from the Secretary of the Navy, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, six DFCs, Bronze Star, seven Air Medals and the Purple Heart.
- Blitch 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 Japanese fleet. His flight attacked the enemy force knowing their fuel status precluded a return to ship. Fighting off enemy aircraft they sunk 2 tankers, 1 destroyer, damaged 3 others and shot down 5 enemy Zero's. Out of fuel, he ditched his plane in the Pacific after suffering a bullet wound to the head drifting 40 hours before rescue.