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Frederick Blesse Obituary
"Boots" Blesse
Melbourne
Frederick Corbin "Boots" Blesse, 91, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in Melbourne, Florida.
Boots proudly served in the United States Air Force for 30 years upon graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1945. He flew in two combat tours during the Korean War. During his second tour, he was credited with shooting down nine MiG-15s and one La-9. At the time of his return to the United States in October 1952, he was America's leading jet ace.
He was a member of the Air Training Command Fighter Gunnery Team in 1955. That year, his team won the Air Force Worldwide Fighter Gunnery Championship. During the 1955 gunnery competition, Boots, flying an F-86F aircraft, won all six trophies for individual performance, a feat never equaled.
Following tours of duty in Korea, Boots wrote the fighter tactics book, "No Guts, No Glory". This book has been used as a basis of fighter combat operations for the Royal Air Force, the U.S. Marine Corps, Chinese Nationalist, Korean Air Force, and U.S. Air Force since 1955.
His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Cross; Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters; Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters; Bronze Star with "V" device; Air Medal with 20 oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; and from the Republic of Vietnam the Cross of Gallantry.
He was a command pilot with more than 6,500 flying hours, most of which have been in fighter aircraft including the P-40, P-47, P-51 Mustang, P-80, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-104, F-106, F-4, F-111, and F-15. At the time of his death, he had more than 650 hours combat flying and was the nation's sixth ranking jet ace.
Boots survivors include his wife, Betty; children, Kent Blesse, Melanie Blesse Fileppo, Angelie Blesse, Chris Blesse; step-children, Bill Lynch, Eileen Husselbaugh, Dan Lynch; brother, Jim Blesse; and sister, Joan Griffin.
Funeral arrangements by the Florida Memorial Funeral Home (321) 636-8943.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at Saint John the Evangelist.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in the memory of General Blesse to the Wounded Warrior Project, (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Blesse
Sponsored by MSgt Earl J. Nielsen, USAF (Ret.).
Marie Bravo
November 4, 2013
Betty,
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy for your great loss. We just found out about Boot's death. We feel very honored to have known you and Boots and cherish the time we had to spend with you both. Boots was a great man and a great hero. Sending you our love and sympathy, Marie and Frank Bravo
Joe Gorman
May 26, 2013
I met Gen. Blesse with my dad and my brother during one of the Reading Pa ww2 weekends. What an amazing man! All of us were former SAC guys, so he had fun with us to say the least. He signed my Autographed Eddie Rickenbacker book that was handed down to me from my grandfather. He said, "it's tough to sign this above Eddie's name" I told him "Gen you earned it, so I would be honored if you did." I also had "Bud" Anderson sign it also. Three great men from three different wars. I treasure this memory of him forever. The book suffered damge from being underwater during Hurricane Sandy, but the names didn't suffer much damage. God Bless you Gen. Blesse! A Real American Idol!
Lorraine Rutherford
March 23, 2013
Our Family just found out here in Frederick, Md where Boots was such an ispiration. A warm hearted, kind soul - I still have his book that he autographed for my young daughter at the time. Boots - may you rest in peace and "Check six"!
Tom Dunne
March 23, 2013
As a young man I lived across the street from General Blesse's stepmother, brother Jimmy and sister Joanie. They treated me as a son and I am forever grateful to them. I met Boots one day when he flew into Richmond in his F-86 and will always remember the respect with which this hero treated me, a still-wet-behind-the-ears high school student. Condolences and blessings on you all.
Tom Dunne, Gaithersburg, Maryland - [email protected]
March 23, 2013
he touched all who came in contact with him and the world was a "better place because of..jim Gibson
Larry Baker
February 8, 2013
I met the General last year at the SOS show in Louisville and what a great guy,he was a hoot.
Allan Proksel
December 19, 2012
I meet Boots for the first time at the VAC airshow in 89. While talking I found out our paths had crossed before at Nellis AFB. I am honored to have met him and am sad to here of his passing, RIP General.
Thomas Starnes
December 18, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pat Hutchens
November 29, 2012
I first met the General in 2007 at the WWII Weekend in Reading, Pa. He hadn't been on the official guest list that year, so I didn't take anything for him to sign, but bought a couple pics and his book. He gladly gave me his address and told me to send the books I wanted signed! And, he also provided me with other 4th FW "Aces." Thanks to him, I corresponded with 5 other Aces.
My son, who was 13 at the time, had our picture taken with him, which I proudly display.
A true American Patriot and Gentleman. God Bless you and your family, Sir.
Bruce Mundie
November 18, 2012
America lost its best Airman. We need to give thanks for our past, present and future warriors that keep this Nation safe. Col Bruce Mundie (Fairfax VA)
Karlen Stephenson
November 16, 2012
Mr. Boots was just the sweetest man. I saw him about one hour before he passed away as sweet and smiling with his little wave to me as always playing his favorite game! As one of the beverage cart girls we'd talk about Las Vegas and his time at Nellis. He ALWAYS had his little mischievous twinkle in his eyes
And will always be one of my
favorites! I miss seeing him out here!
LTC James Leland
November 12, 2012
I was honored to be a Wingman of Gen Blesse during my 1967 tour at Danang AB, Vietnam, and also on his staff at PACAF in the 70's.
Nancy & Bob Louis
November 8, 2012
I met Boots when he & Betty lived in Vicaya in 2001, I bought "Aces in Command" for Bob for Xmas & went to his home to have him sign it, he was so gracious & made me feel so welcome. We got to know he & Betty personally after they moved two doors from us in Country Walk & developed a warm friendship. We will miss his golf cart stopping on the way home from his many rds & hearing how he played. Betty, we are here for you whenever you need us. Our prayer is for the family to find comfort & peace with all their happy memories & we look forward to,joining Boots someday on the golf courses in heaven.
We love you
November 8, 2012
"If you stand very still in the heart of the woods you will hear many wonderful things-the snap of a twig and the wind in the trees, and the whirl of invisible wings. If you stand very still in the turmoil of life, and wait for the voice from within you will be led down the quiet pathways of wisdom and peace in a mad world of chaos and din. If you stand very still and hold to your faith, you will get all the help that you ask. You will draw from the silence the things that you need - hope and courage and strength for your task -" author unknown.
It was my great honor to be a volunteer driver for General Blasse and his wife when they came to Washington for the recent Veterans Center events. My prayers for the family and friends. Doug Blankinship
Lisa Chandler
November 8, 2012
Not only was Boots an officer and a gentleman, he was a wonderful man and next door neighbor. I had the privilege to live next door to Boots and Betty for ten+ years. It was always a treat to bump into Boots and we will miss our friend. I still think of Boots every time I see a golf cart with a blue awning!
All our love to Betty!!
Lisa and Chip Chandler and family (Chipper, Tyler and Ashilee)
November 7, 2012
It was an honor to have briefly known Maj. Gen. Blesse. He was an Officer and a Gentleman in all respects. The history of his time in the Air Force was awe inspiring to listen too. Our country has lost a true hero and protector of our Freedom. God Speed!
Gene & Helen Garretson
Retired MSG USAF
November 7, 2012
Shirley and I always will remember the many times we had the special opportunity to see him and also have telephone chats. He represents the best of the best and forever will be honored as one of America's greatest aviation warriors. Our last conversation was just before the recent American Fighter Aces Reunion in San Diego.
Phil Schasker
stefani bardsley
November 7, 2012
I can't make it to the funeral but I send my love. Grampa was an awesome person and a hero. Love, stefani
Bob Rubin
November 6, 2012
A fine gentleman and a true American hero.
Dan and Charlotte Penny
November 5, 2012
It was an honor for me and my wife to escort Boots and his wife Betty at Air Command and Staff College for the "Gathering of Eagles." Boots was an excellent golfer whose passion for the game was only exceeded by his passion to fly. Our condolences to Betty and his family. He will be missed.
Larry Ploucha
November 5, 2012
It was a pleasure and privilege to have known Boots. He was a true example of America's greatest generation. He served for several years as a Director of Wings Over Miami Museum and it was always a treat to talk with him at meetings and Museum events, which he always attended. My sympathy to Betty and his family. He was a genuinely nice man and lived a life few others have.
Larry Ploucha
November 5, 2012
It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known Boots, a true example of America's greatest generation. He served as a Director of Wings Over Miami Museum for several years and it was always a treat to speak with him at meetings and Museum events. My sympathy to Betty and his family. He was a genuinely nice man and lived a life few others have.
Col. Steve Pisanos, USAF, (Ret)
November 4, 2012
To a true American hero, thank you for your service to this great oountry....rest in piece.
CT Wang
November 4, 2012
A FIGHTER PILOT'S FIGHTER PILOT! RIP, Boots!
Leigh Barratt
November 4, 2012
RIP Boots. Thanks for your service to our country.
Barbara Robshaw
November 3, 2012
Betty and family. So sorry to read of Boots' passing. He was great guy, I movedfrom Florida back to NJ last year. Condolences to all.
Barbara
Robshaw
Ron Catton
November 3, 2012
I met Boots for the first time at the SSS reunion; a fighter pilot's fighter pilot, big time. His book, “No Guts, No Glory,� was pretty much all we had in the mid and late 1950's. We are in fact a dying breed. But we did have a “prime time slice of fighterhood,� as Billy Jack Hosmer likes to say.
John Buck
November 3, 2012
Boots is a great AIR FORCE OFFICER and an inspiration to all that know him. He is missed.
Peter & Donna Page
November 3, 2012
My wife and I have been honored to be in the same room with General Blesse at numerous F-86 reunions. I posses a copy of the lovely F-86 print, "The Hunting Party", signed by eight Korean aces, including Boots ,Chick Cleveland and others. It is one of my most valued possessions. It is sad to see "the old order passing." God Bless them. Peter and Donna Page
Charles Vasiliadis
November 3, 2012
Our ranks are thinning.
We lost a great one.
Charles Vasiliadis
November 3, 2012
Maj. Gen. "Boots" Blesse was one of the best fighter pilots and officers the U.S. Air Force has ever had. A true gentleman!
Bill & Cindy Leist
Lt. Col. USAF Ret.
Subway at Suntree
November 2, 2012
The first day I met Mr. Blesse, he struck a conversation with me and told me "Just call me Boots!"
Boots and his friends were a few of our favorite patrons. Over the months since I first met him, I personally grew to consider him as my friend.
He always came through the door with a smile and a cheerful hello. This wonderful man, who holds so many military decorations, always took a moment to ask us how we were doing and make us feel appreciated. We so very much looked forward to his visits and golf-day mini stories.
He deffinatley made our days brighter and our lives richer just by knowing him.
Our sympathies to his lovley wife and family.
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