Libero Ricciardelli

See: http://www.catholicplanet.com/articles/article38.htm

In June of 1943, Basil (RICCI) graduated from North Providence High School. He was very willing to defend his country at this time of strife during World War II. After high school graduation, he used to wait for the daily mail delivery with patriotic pride and enthusiasm. Hence, in July of 1943, he was inducted into the United States Army. Basil was trained to work on B-24 bombers in Mississippi and Michigan. The following year, he was assigned to the 15th Air Force in southern Italy.

On June 3, 1945, an event occurred that would drastically affect Basil over the course of his life. Basil was one of thirteen men aboard a B-24 that departed early in the morning. The plane headed to southern Europe to survey the damage previously perpetrated by U. S. bombing missions. The B-24 was flying through valleys at extremely low altitudes so that the crew members could make their observations. As the plane was approaching the little hamlet of Kalwang, Austria, Sergeant Theodore Andrewseski, who was sitting in the tail turret taking photographs with Basil's camera, opted to switch positions with Basil. After Basil had re-situated into the tail turret, he realized just how low the plane was flying when he saw a church steeple pass directly beneath him. Immediately, the plane banked as the pilot chose an adjoining valley. That alternate valley quickly faded into a taller mountain, offering no outlet. The pilot desperately attempted to climb to a higher elevation, but the four engine B-24 was no match for the steep incline. The plane would not be able to clear the crest of the mountain and inevitably crashed into it. All members of the crew perished in the fiery blaze that ensued, except Basil. He was trying to break free from the evergreen bows in which the tail section became entangled. Desperately attempting to escape, he kicked vigorously and eventually fell down, landing upon a huge rock.

Meanwhile, the fuel and oil from the plane's engine were enveloping the rock, igniting a fiery border. Miraculously, however, the fire never touched Basil. As the flames crept ever closer and higher along the edge of the rock where Basil was lying, one can only believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary was there as a powerful intercessor, shielding him from the perilous inferno with her secure mantle of protection.

Visit page of 2nd Lt. Edward Codman for Navigator of aircraft who was killed - http://www.459bg.org/Codman_Edward_R.cfm

2nd Lt Libero Ricciardelli was assigned to the 459th BG 756th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.

The following information on Libero Ricciardelli is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Ricciardelli. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Libero Ricciardelli's military record please contact us.