World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Russell Pilleteri
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Buffalo, New York
Honored By
Vince Marando
Relationship
Nephew
HE WAS A FLIGHT OFFICER IN THE 12TH AIR FORCE DURING THE NORTH AFRICAN AND ITALIAN CAMPAIGNS. HE WAS A B-17 NAVIGATOR. ONCE HIS PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN, HE PARACHUTED AND WAS SAFELY RECOVERED. THE 12TH OPERATED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR. AFTER THE WAR, HE CONTINUED HIS MILITARY SERVICE.