Worked as cabinetmaker. Served as Top Turrest Gunner on B-17 "Jerry Jinx" Member 427th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomber Group, Heavy. Enlisted on January 19, 1942. Listed missing with his crew when they had to ditch their plane in Bay of Biscay while en route on mission to Lorient, France. Awarded Air Medal and Purple Heart.
Blankenship is front row second from left in image.