 Blesse died on October 31, 2012 at golf course in Melbourne, Florida, officially 'flying west'.He was honored with a flyover of F-15 Eagles before being buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.His military decorations and awards included the Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters; Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; Distinguished Flying Cross with silver leaf cluster with "V" device; Bronze Star with "V" device; Air Medal with 20 oak leaf clusters and Purple Heart.