S I R   R O B E R T

How many cities can boast of having been served by a Mayor who had the distinctinction of being knighted by the government of Holland. Ironically, the city of DeRidder (de ridder), being of Dutch origin, translated, means "the knight." DeRidder did indeed have as their Mayor (the knight), Robert Cleveland Blankenship, between 1962 and 1970.

Beauregard Parish is rich in World War II military history. This history of WW II era, includes Mayor Bob Blankenship, who gallantly served his country and is remembered as being a hero in every sense of the word.

Mayor Blankenship entered military service in Georgia. In 1942, just one year after war had been declared, his tour of duty brought him to Camp Claiborne, which was initially set up as a tent camp in Central Louisiana. The camp which did not survive as a military installation was closed in 1945. The site is presently identified with a Louisiana Historical Marker.

Lieutenant Blankenship saw combat action during WW II with the 82nd Airborne Division and in the European Theater of Operations.

On September 20, 1944, near Holland, Lieutenant Blankenship received one of his two Silver Stars for Valor. His unselfish service was recognized after he conducted a river crossing of the Waal River, and subsequently single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine gun position, silenced a sniper by use of hand-to-hand combat, and helped to neutralize a flack wagon with hand grenades.

Lieutenant Blankenship put his heart and soul into serving his country. Along with his two Silver Stars, he also received one Bronze Star and five Purple Hearts.

Never did Bob Blankenship imagine that he would be awarded the highest decoration granted by the Government of Holland to a foreigner, which was the induction into the Military Order of the Knights of William. For his gallantry, he was Knighted and assigned the name of "Sir Robert".

With the climax of his military tour of duty, his honors did not cease. He was selected as the "Man of the Year" while he lived in Alexandria, Louisiana. In that same year, 1951, he was further honored by being chosen "Citizen of the Year" in Rapides Parish. In 1962, Sir Robert received an award for "Citizen of the Year" from the city of DeRidder. For his outstanding performance, the Louisiana Association of Municipalities selected him "Mayor of the Year" for the State in 1968.

His distinguished Military Service combined with his exceptional involvement in civic and veteran's affairs are a credit not only to himself, but the City of DeRider, also the State of Louisiana, as well as his country.

The role of Bob Blankenship in military history can be read in Strike and hold,by T. Moffatt Burriss, A Memoir of the 82nd Airborne in World War II.