Page 39 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

HENRY JACK BLANKENSHIP
HIGHLAND SPRINGS RESIDENT BY WANDA BLANKENSHIP, WIDOW
Jack Blankenship entered the US Air Force in March of 1953. He attended Military School and attained the rank of Cadet Captain and Company Commander. Upon graduation from high school, he entered Oklahoma University. He graduated in January 1953 and received his Petroleum Engineering Degree. He was commissioned a 2nd LT in the Air Force.
His first operational assignment came in December 1954 to Springfield, Mass. He was flying the C-124 which at the time was the largest Cargo Transport that the US Air Force had for Global Transport. A highpoint was that he flew 2 atomic bombs to England. He attained the rank of Captain, became an aircraft commander and a senior pilot.
The Air Force wanted him to secure a second Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He flew for Base Operations as an aircraft Commander. He flew the C-54 and the C-118. Reassignment called him back to operational flight duty with a 2nd tour of Hawaii. He became both a SUPER pilot and a Command Pilot (which was the highest pilot rating).
His last assignment was a one year duty in Vietnam. This led to a new Aircraft- the Caribou or C-7 a two engine short takeoff and landing plane that was originally of Canadian Design. It was capable of landing on about 1000 ft of dirt!
His four highest awards: The Meritorious Service Medal obtained by creating modification programs and a distinguished career of military service, The Bronze Star Medal: The fourth highest honor that the Armed Services can bestow, Four
Outstanding Unit Awards....One for Valor, Four Air Medals for Flight Operations in a Combat Zone, Air Force Commendation Medal obtained by improving personnel utilization by establishing a record for the number of Combat Sorties in Limited Time and Contributed to the Accident Free Record of the Squadron.
Jack Blankenship served for 22 years, obtained the final rank of Lt. Col. and flew over 20,000 hours with over 600 hours in Vietnam. He met his wife, Wanda in his junior year at Oklahoma University. They had five children: Jack, Paula, Linda, Bob and Bill. Jack served both his country and family with honor and distinction!
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