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Charles F. Blair, Jr.

Charles F. Blair, Jr.
Born (1909-07-19)July 19, 1909
Buffalo, New York, United States
Died September 2, 1978(1978-09-02) (aged 69)
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy Seal United States Navy
 United States Air Force
Years of service 1932–1960
Rank Captain (USN)
Brigadier General (USAF)
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Harmon Trophy
Relations Maureen O'Hara (wife)
Other work Pan American World Airways
Antilles Air Boats

Charles F. Blair, Jr. (July 19, 1909 – September 2, 1978) was a United States Air Force Brigadier General, United States Navy aviator Captain, a test pilot, an airline pilot, and airline owner. He died in a Grumman Goose seaplane crash in the Caribbean.

Blair was born in Buffalo, New York. He learned to fly in San Diego and made his first solo flight at the age of 19. In 1931, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont, and the following year was commissioned an Ensign as a naval aviator. He served with the Naval Reserves at the same time as flying for United Airlines for seven years. In 1940, Blair became a chief pilot at American Export Airlines, later renamed American Overseas Airlines, where he trained the pilots.

In World War II Blair flew with the Naval Air Transport Service and the Air Transport Command as well as being a test pilot for Grumman Aircraft, testing the Grumman F6F Hellcat, Grumman F7F Tigercat, Grumman F8F Bearcat and the Martin Mars flying boat.


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