Shot down 9 April 1944 in B-17 #42-40051. Killed in Action (KIA).



I am compelled to add a human narrative to Carmine's brief life. Mr. Avantini was my Uncle Joey's (Joseph Cervo) best friend growing up together in Rome NY. My mother, who was a few years younger than Joey & Carmine, remembers them this way: They were young, handsome, and excited to be of service to their Country as new high school graduates. Before he shipped out, Carmin brought a buddy home to Rome for what would be his last visit. They went rollerskating together; my Mom & his buddy liked each other so much, he gave her his 'wings.' They never returned. They were KIA, their plane shot down in April. Uncle Joey died of his wounds 5 months later during Operation Market Garden. Two best buddies who did most of their living in Upstate NY, made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their Country, dying far away from home...overseas. Rest in Peace.