Born on August 15, 1880 in Ireland. Capt. John Blanchfield arrived in the U.S in 1901. He enlisted on 9 July 1903. Aboard several ships at sea served as gun pointer, Sgt. Major,... Several overseas assignments, including Mexico, Panama, Haiti, Nicargua prior to WWI.
On 9 November 1916, he petitioned for U.S. citizenship in Brooklyn, New York.. He had a wife, Isabella (Bella) whom he'd married n 1910; , and daughter, Veronica (Vera).
He held the rank of Sgt. Major 12 October 1916. In June 1917, he was appointed as Marine Gunner with 55th Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. This was to be his "permanent" rank, Marine Gunner.
Rank of 2nd Lt by July 1917 (rank from 14 June 1917). 1st Lt. November 1917 (attended 1st Corps School for Infantry Officers).. Captain December 1917.
He was the Company Commander of this unit in France, 55th Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.
He was engaged in the fierce fighting at Les Mares Farm and in the Belleau Woods. In 7 June 1918, he was severely wounded in his left thigh. Transferred through a series of field hospitals. Died from this wound in a field hosptial on 8 June He was initially interred in New Cemetery, Meaux, France, American Sector, Grave #7. 55th Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regiment
Remains returned to Ireland in 1921 on the SS Orloch Head. He was interred in the family plot in Mullinahone, County Tipperary, Ireland, in July 1928.
Comments/Citation: Note: He was awarded both the Distinguished Service Cross and Navy Cross for the same combat acition.
Captain John Blanchfield U.S. Marine Corps 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 6, 1918 Citation:
The Navy Cross is presented to John Blanchfield, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau-Thierry, France, June 6, 1918.
Captain Blanchfield demonstrated exceptional ability in organizing his line at Chateau-Thierry and showed heroic leadership in holding it under violent attack. His company successfully repelled two assaults by superior forces, in the second of which he was mortally wounded.
Captain John Blanchfield U.S. Marine Corps 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. Date of Action: June 6, 1918 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John Blanchfield, Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action at Chateau- Thierry, France, June 6, 1918. Captain Blanchfield demonstrated exceptional ability in organizing his line at Chateau-Thierry and showed heroic leadership in holding it under violent attack. His company successfully repelled two assaults by superior forces, in the second of which he was mortally wounded.
General Orders No. 5, W.D., 1920
Source: Togehter We Served website