Korean War
| Service # | 453727 |
|---|---|
| Unit | 152 FITRON |
| Rank | Lieutenant U.S. Navy |
| Date of Death | July 26 1953 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Air Medal
Combat Action Ribbon (Navy)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Blackford was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Lieutenant Blackford was the pilot of a F4U-4 Corsair fighter with Fighter Squadron 152 aboard the USS PRINCETON (CV-37). July 26, 1953, while on a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory, his aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.