World War II Honoree

Anthony Michael Pastore

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps on March 17, 1943. He was sent to New England Aircraft School in Boston, and he was shipped overseas in December 1943, landing in Casa Blanco, Africa. He was a member of the 87th Fighter Wing and landed in Salerno, Italy. After the fall of Monte Cassino and the landings of Anzio, the 87th, which was part of the 12th Air Force, was able to proceed to Rome, which had been declared an open city, liberated June 4, 1944. General Mark Clark was in command of the 5th Army and they pursued the retreating Germans. The 87th arrived in Florence, Italy and shortly after he was transferred to the 27th Fighter Group of the 12th Air Force. This outfit was stationed on the Island of Corsica in the City of Bastia. From Corsica, the Squadron was involved in the invasion of Southern France. In support of ground troops, their P-47 fighter bombers devastated the enemy. They traveled up the Rhône Valley and after a short period of time, were crossing into a Germany. He was discharged on December 8, 1945. The 524th Fighter Squadron was given the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with two clusters and the French Foraggier Shoulder Strap.