Donald Blackburn

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Donald D. Blackburn
September 14, 1916(1916-09-14) – May 24, 2008 (aged 91)
Image:Replace this image male.svg
Nickname "Don"
Place of birth McLean, VA, USA
Place of death Sarasota, Florida
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States of America
Service/branch Shoulder Patch U.S. Army Special Forces
Years of service 1940 — 1971
Rank Brigadier General
Unit 7th Special Forces Group
82nd Airborn Division
Commands held 11th Infantry, Philippine Army
Studies and Observations Group
82nd Airborn Division
Battles/wars -World War 2
-Second Indochina 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. Commander of the highly classified Studies and Observations Group 1965-66.

Donald D. "Don" Blackburn Sept. 14, 1916 - May 24, 2008

Retired Brig. Gen. Donald D. "Don" Blackburn, 91, Sarasota, formerly of McLean, Va., died May 24, 2008. A full military service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. Survivors include a daughter, Susan B. Douglas of Sarasota; a son, Donald D. Jr., of Los Gatos, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

Contents

[edit] Early life

[edit] Army service

Donald Blackburn was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry Reserve on May 30, 1938, and entered into active duty with the Army Sept. 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, Philippine Army. Upon the fall of Bataan in April 1942, he evaded capture and until October 1945 conducted guerrilla warfare on the island of Luzon. During this latter period, he reorganized and commanded the 11th Infantry, Philippine Army, which was integrated in October 1945 as a regular unit in the Philippine military establishment.

Since World War II, Blackburn has served in various command and staff assignments. He was assigned to the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership, Tactical Department, United States Military Academy, in 1950. During 1953, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va. He was then assigned to NATO's Allied Forces Northern Europe, Oslo, Norway. On return to the United States in 1956, he was assigned as commanding officer, 3rd Training Regiment, Fort Jackson, S.C. In 1957, he was assigned to MAAG, Vietnam, and served as the senior advisor to the commanding general, 5th Military Region (Mekong Delta). In October 1958, he was assigned as commanding officer, 77th Special Forces Group (now the 7th SFG) where he was instrumental in initiating Special Forces operations in Southeast Asia. He attended the 1960 class of the National War College. He served as deputy director of developments for Special Warfare, Office of the Chief of Research and Development from 1961-1964, and then was reassigned to the office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations as Director of Special Warfare. Blackburn was SOG Commander (Studies and Observations Group) Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, from May 1965 to May 1966. He served as assistant deputy director, Defense Communications Planning Group from August 1966 to August 1967. He was the assistant division commander, 82nd Airborne Division from September 1967 to October 1968. He was the Director of Plans and Programs, office of the Chief of Research and Development from October 1968 until his retirement in 1971.

[edit] In retirement

Following his retirement from military service, Blackburn took a position with Braddock, Dunn and McDonald, where he served as vice president, special projects until he retired in 1979.

[edit] Medals and decorations

Brig. Gen. Blackburn was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, the Gold Star Medal (Philippines), the Medal of Merit (Philippines) and the Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Medal. He is authorized to wear the Distinguished Unit Citation with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Master Parachutist Badge.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

ROXANNE M. MERRITT Director, JFK Special Warfare Museum 910-432-4272/1533; DSN: 239 910-432-4062 fax merrittr@soc.mil; Roxanne.M.Merritt@us.army.mil

Roxanne's note: While 77th/7th SFG(A) Commander, he assembled the first White Star Mobile Training Teams. The first itieration was led by Bull Simons whom he had first gotten to know from the Philippines. He was the director of plans and programs, office of the Chief of Research and Development from October 1968 until his retirement in 1971. While in the position, he authorized and oversaw the initial electin of the Son Tay POW for Operation Ivory Coast, briefing LTG Wheeler. He was part of the briefing with Dr. Henry Kissinger. He is the one that chose BG Manor (Air Force and overall commander of the Raid), Bull Simons, Dick Meadows and "Doc" Cataldo. After the Raid, he was the one that navigated the furor over the fact there were no prisoners.

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