Donald Blackburn
| Donald D. Blackburn | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Nickname(s) | "Don" |
| Born |
September 14, 1916 McLean, Virginia |
| Died | May 24, 2008 (aged 91) Sarasota, Florida |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1940–1971 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General
|
| Unit |
12th Infantry Division 7th Special Forces Group 82nd Airborne Division |
| Commands held | 11th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army Studies and Observations Group 82nd Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Silver Star (1944) Bronze Star (1946) Legion of Merit (1970) Vietnam Service Medal |
Brigadier General Donald C. "Don" Blackburn (United States Army, retired) (September 14, 1916 – May 24, 2008) was a United States Army Special Forces officer, best known for his significant command and developmental roles in the U.S. Army Special Forces.
He was also the commander of the highly classified Studies and Observations Group from 1965 to 1966. Since most of his military career involved clandestine operations, many of Blackburn's exploits remain unknown to the general public.
Donald Blackburn was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry Reserve on May 30, 1938, and entered into active duty with the Army September 22, 1940, assigned to the 24th Infantry at Fort Benning, Ga.
At the outbreak of World War II, he was serving as an advisor to a battalion of the 12th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army.
Upon the fall of Bataan in April 1942, he evaded capture with his friend Captain Russell W. Volckmann, and until October 1945 conducted the Commonwealth military and guerrilla warfare on the island of Luzon. During this latter period, he reorganized and commanded the 11th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army, which was integrated in October 1945 as a regular unit in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, under Major Eulogio Balao.
In Jan. 1945, Blackburn established his headquarters in Tuao, building a C-47 airfield, roads, and re-establishing schools and hospitals in the Kalinga, , Cagayan and Apayao. By March 1945, Blackburn's regiment consisted of 5000 soldiers and guerrillas, including Igorots and Bolomen. Blackburn's men supported Sixth United States Army Force B, in the capture of Aparri on 20 June 1945. Blackburn was awarded the Silver Star after he led his men in the capture of Mayoyao, Ifugao, a stronghold of General Mikami's forces in Aug. 1945. Blackburn's forces received the surrender of Generals Mikami's and Marauka's forces on 14 Aug.
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