Mr. Blair was a native of the Tibbee Community and a graduate of Fifth Street High School in West Point. He enlisted in the Army in March 1962 and was progressively promoted through the ranks to Specialist 4, Sergeant. He re-enlisted in March, 1966 and was sent to Vietnam as a member of the Army Air Cavalry in March, 1968.

On May 12, 1968, Sergeant Blair's Air Cavalry unit was engaged in heavy fighting with hostile North Vietnamese forces. Heavy casualities were inflicted on both sides, and Medi-Vac helicopter units were called in to evacuate the wounded American soldiers. While providing covering fire so that his wounded comrades could be evacuated, Sergeant Blair what hit by hostile fire and subsequently died of his wounds.

For his gallantry in action on May 12, 1968, Sergeant Blair was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. In addition, he received the Air Medal for meritorious achievement, the Purple Heart, and numerous other awards and decorations. Sergeant Blair was one of two West Point men killed in combat in Vietnam within one week. He was survived by his parents, Mr. Will Blair and Mrs. Martha Blair.