Born: 1921 in Franklin County, Ohio

Role at OSU: Student

Branch: U.S. Navy

Date of Loss: 7 Dec 1941

Reason for Death: Missing in action or lost at sea during Pearl Harbor attack

Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetery

Career:

He enrolled at Ohio State for one year before joining the Navy in October 1939. He served on the U.S.S. Utah when the attack on Pearl Harbour took place, and was one of four Ohio State men Killed in Action on that historic day. His commanding officer wrote, “John died a hero. He stayed at his post until it was too late to save himself.” John Thomas Blackburn was also a purple heart recipient. Blackburn was the first member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Researched by Brock Merritt, 2020