Images(2)

Badge, Military

Object number2016.30.18 a,b

Date1941-1945

MediumSterling silver; Metal

Credit LineGift of Barbara Pontello

DescriptionSterling silver wings with shield at center. Reverse has one pointed post at either end.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a,b together): 0.813 × 3 × 0.5 in. (2.1 × 7.6 × 1.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (a): 0.813 × 3 × 0.375 in. (2.1 × 7.6 × 1 cm)
Diameter x Depth (b): 0.5 × 0.25 in. (1.3 × 0.6 cm)
Inscriptions

Marks(a)
Raised text on reverse of shield "STERLING".
(b)
Inscribed text on flat face around perimeter "PAT. NOS. / ... / 2308412" and around center "[star] / STERLING".
Historical NotesThis United States Aviator Pilot badge belonged to Aldo Pontello (known as Norman,) who was a pilot in the European Campaign and flew multiple missions over Germany. Antonio Pontello of Horning, PA, and his three sons, Alfred, Aldo, and Roy, served the Allied forces in various capacities during WWII. Antonio, an Italian immigrant and coal miner, was too old for the draft, so he served stateside as auxiliary military police patrolling the Allegheny Country Airport. Antonio's three sons each served in the military: one as a pilot, one as a paratrooper, and one as infantry. His son Aldo, known as Norman, was a pilot in the European Campaign and flew multiple missions over Germany; the WWII uniform pieces belonged to him.

Previous owner Norman Aldo Pontello

Related institution United States Army Air Forces

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