Dominick Louis DeSalvo
MilitaryConnected to airman's record using information in the caption.
Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF. Crew chief for B-17 'Swamp Fire', 100 missions without an abort. Completed 3 tours of duty in ETO and then a tour in Germany.
Awards: LOM, WWII Victory, EAME, National Defense, Distinguished Service and Air Force Commendation Medals.
Post war: Completed a tour [4th] in Germany rising to the rank of Major.
LOM Citation: - "For exceptional meritorious services as Ground Crew Chief responsible for the maintenance of a heavy bombardment aircraft. M/Sgt DeSalvo achieved a remarkable and inspiring record in the maintenance of the aircraft he was responsible for and to the number of consecutive combat missions flown without abortives caused by mechanical failures. M/Sgt DeSalvo has exhibited an exceptionally high degree of mechanical skill and resourcefulness and has voluntarily worked many hours above the time imposed by duty in order to have his aircraft in operational condition for a mission. He has shown a definite talent for improvisation. Much of this time working short handed and without needed tools, he has been able to meet and overcome many unusual conditions that have arisen as well as accomplished major repair work due to battle damage. This is to include several wing and engine changes. By his skills, efficiency and devotion to duty, M/Sgt DeSalvo established this exceptional record of aircraft maintenance which distinguishes him above other men of his grade and experience and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Swamp Fire
- Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Milboro, Massachusetts, USA | 10 February 1920 | |
Enlisted |
Los Angeles, California | 10 June 1946 | Re-enlisted USAF. |
Died |
Bellevue, WA | 26 May 2016 | |
Buried |
Sunset Hills Memorial Cemetery, Bellevue, WA | 6 June 2016 | Sunset Hills Memorial Park Bellevue, King County, WA |
Other LOM Award |
RAF Kimbolton, UK | Awarded Legion of Merit. | |
Based |
Kimbolton | Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF. | |
Enlisted |
Revisions
https://www.fold3.com/image/629635844
https://www.fold3.com/record/90697415-dominick-l-de-salvo
Obit: The Seattle Times from May 31 to1st June 2016
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/168932597/cora-hazel-desalvo
379th Bombardment Group Anthology, pg 217 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia