Colonel Donald James Matthew Blakeslee - September 11, 1917 - September 3, 2008 - The Greatest American Fighter Pilot Has Passed Away

[Mark Copeland]

Hello All,

It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you all of the passing of Colonel Donald J.M. Blakeslee - Commander of the Fourth Fighter Group.

He was without question, the greatest American Fighter Pilot...ever.

No other pilot in the history of the USAF ever flew more combat time than Colonel Blakeslee. During his tenure with the RCAF and the USAF has massed enough hours to complete six tours of duty in WWII.

On a personal note, he was also one of the greatest friends I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was my friend, my mentor...my hero.

Mark Copeland
President - 8th Air Force Historical Society
Associate Member - Fourth Fighter Group Association