World War II Honoree

Alessandro 'Al' Panarese

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Portland, Maine

Honored By

Jeff McCulloh

Relationship

Neighbor

A pilot of a B-24 bomber named 'the Iron Duke', he was shot down by anti-aircraft fire in February 1945 during a raid on Peine, Germany. Liberated by the Third Army in April 1945. Discharged in December 1945 after receiving a Purple Heart, the Air Medal, the WWII Victory medal and the European ribbon with two battle stars. Later he received the Prisoner of War medal and Maine Star Medal.