Donald Blackburn

Donald D. Blackburn
Nickname	"Don"
Born	September 14, 1916(1916-09-14) McLean, Virginia
Died	May 24, 2008(2008-05-24) (aged 91) Sarasota, Florida
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army Special Forces
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 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 1965-66. Since most of his military career involved clandestine operations, many of Blackburn's exploits remain unknown to the general public.

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 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 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.

Following World War II Blackburn 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.

In retirement

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

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.

•   Silver Star
•   Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters
•   Bronze Star
•   Purple Heart
•   Meritorious Service Medal
•   Air Medal
•   Army Commendation Medal
•   Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
•   American Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
•   American Campaign Medal
•   Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 service stars
•   World War II Victory Medal
•   Army of Occupation Medal
•   National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
•   Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with bronze service star (for Korea and Laos)
•   Vietnam Service Medal with 3 service stars
•   Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Army)
•   Meritorious Unit Commendation
•   Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
•   Philippine Liberation Ribbon
•   Philippine Independence Medal
•   Vietnam Campaign Medal with device
•   Presidential Unit Citation (United States) 2001 Studies and Observations Group
•   Master Parachutist Badge
•   Combat Infantryman Badge
•   Special Forces tab

See also

• MACV-SOG
• Son Tay

	Biography portal
	United States Army portal

References

ROXANNE M. MERRITT Director, JFK Special Warfare Museum 910-432-4272/1533; DSN: 239 910-432-4062 fax [e-mail]; [e-mail]

Roxanne's note: While 77th/7th SFG(A) Commander, he assembled the first Operation 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.

Blackburn's exploits as a guerrilla leader during World War II in northern Luzon, Philippines, were chronicled in the following book: "Blackburn's Headhunters" by Philip Harkins (W.W. NORTON & COMPANY INC., 1955). (Christopher L. Turner) The Harkins book was made into a film called Surrender - Hell! with Keith Andes playing Blackburn and released in 1959 by Allied Artists films. Blackburn was the technical advisor on the film.

Persondata
Name	Blackburn, Donald D.
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	September 14, 1916
Place of birth	McLean, Virginia
Date of death	May 24, 2008
Place of death	Sarasota, Florida