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PROFILES
Histories of The Individuals Who Served
Blair G. Belongia
Veteran of World War II - Army Air Corps
 MAJOR BLAIR G. BELONGIA February 20, 1921 - April 16, 1980 92d BG (Brigade) , 325th Sq. (Squadron) LIEUTENANT COLONEL burial: Mountain Cemetery, Mountain, Wisconsin |
 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress: four-engine heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. |
 Distinguished Flying Cross |
 Oak Leaf Cluster
 Army Lieutenant Colonel |
 Air Medal  Air Medal Ribbon
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(1940's news article researched and contributed by: Dean Schaal from his mother's wartime scrapbook)
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News
Article
1944
Special in
Press-Gazette
SURING, Wis.— Major Blair Belongia, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Omer Belongia of Mountain, has returned from two years of overseas duty and is spending a leave with his parents and wife. Belongia enlisted in the Ary Air corps August 16, 1941. He received his pilot's training in Californai and his fortress training in Florida. He went to England Aug. 16, 1942, as pilot of a B-17, Flying Fortress. Later he was pronoted to operations officer and squadron leader. During his stay in England he completed his required combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf clusters, and the Air medal with three Oak Leaf clusters. During combat he had several narrow escapes, including cradhing in water twice and once more on land, with no injuries to his crew. He was promoted to Major last May. Following his leave he will report in Miami, Fla. (Note: Aircraft That Ditched 326th Squadron Aircraft B-17 063 J 1235 ditched Pedensey Bay near Beachy Head, sea very rough, but perfect landing lost first engine five minutes after crossing enemy coast at 1215, second five minutes later, last two out within two minutes of each other 1230-1233. Hit by flak near primary target area caused loss of gas and forward controls and flew sideways. Picked up 1310. A/c (aircraft) floated 35 minutes. Second ditching for Belongia. First was 26 June 1943.
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