 Blesse was commissioned a year early due to World War II, graduating from West Point and being awarded his pilot wings on June 5, 1945.He earned his pilot wings just as World War II was ending and did not see any combat during the war.After completing gunnery training and P-47 Thunderbolt training, he was assigned to the 1st Fighter Squadron of the 413th Fighter Group on Okinawa from March to October 1946, and then with the 25th Fighter Squadron of the 51st Fighter Group, also on Okinawa, until March 1948.