MAJOR JOHN D. BLAIR, IV, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to recognize his extraordinary heroism while he was commanding Camp A Shau, Republic of Vietnam. When the camp was attacked by a large Viet Cong force on 9 March 1966, the then Captain Blair, responding to the attack, immediately began directing the camp defenses. He repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire in order to direct the evacuation of a seriously wounded American. When the Viet Cong launched the launched their main attack with two reinforced battalions, Captain Blair directed the men until they were caught in a crossfire and forced to withdraw again. After fighting for thirty-eight hours, Captain Blair was ordered to evacuate the camp. He fought a delaying action while leading the troops to a landing zone to be evacuated. Captain Blair remained with those Americans not seriously wounded to cover the withdrawal of the remaining defenders. This action caused the Americans not to be picked up by the rescue team and they were forced to evade the Viet Cong for several days in the dense jungle until rescued by helicopter. Captain Blair’s extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Major Blair joined the Legion of Valor in 1971.