JAMES P. BLECKSMITH, 2LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

2LT J.P. Blecksmith, USMCR, '03 was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 11, 2004, while leading the 3d Platoon, Company I, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. Ed, his father: "J.P. wanted to lead his men effectively in combat, and bring them all home safely. He accomplished both of those goals. He just couldn't save himself."

Four other Naval Academy alumni, beginning with LTCOL David McDougal '33 on Okinawa, have been killed in action with our nation's enemies while serving in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.

J.P. was survived by his parents, his brother, and his sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_P._BLECKSMITH,_2LT,_USMCR

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/Category:3rd_Battalion,_5th_Marines

BRIAN R.S.J. DEFORGE, 1LT, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Brian Deforge, USMCR '03, was lost on June 26, 2006 when the F/A-18C he was piloting collided with another near NAS Lemoore, California.

"Brian was a driven young man who set goals and did whatever it took to achieve them. He was a kind human being who considered all others his equal, regardless of their rank or social status. He was a devoted son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, husband and father. While at the Naval Academy, Brian met and courted his bride, the former Jane Romano. They were married on Kent Island in Maryland in June of 2003. Brian always dreamed of being a jet pilot, and upon graduation from Annapolis, his dream was fulfilled when he was selected for Marine Corps aviation. Together, Brian and Jane embarked on an adventure in Marine Corps ground and aviation training that took them to Virginia, Florida, Texas and California. Brian excelled as a student pilot and during training in the T-45A Goshawk, he earned the coveted Top Hook Award aboard the USS John F. Kennedy. Upon completion of Primary Flight training, Brian earned his dream selection; he would go on to train in the fighter jet, F-18 Hornet in Strike Fighter Squadron 125. Brian was an excellent student and he truly loved to fly."

"Brian is survived by his wife, Jane; their children, Brian Jr. and Alison; his mother and step-father, John and Patience Landry; his father and step-mother, Robert D. and Carolyn Deforge; his brothers, Aaron, Ryan, Brad, Robby and Zach; his maternal grandmother, Anna St. Jacques; his paternal grandfather, Robert P. Deforge; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_R.S.J._DEFORGE,_1LT,_USMCR