Pin, Military
Object number2016.30.20 a,b
Date1942-1945
MediumSterling silver; Metal; Enamel
Credit LineGift of Barbara Pontello
DescriptionPair of insignia. Each insignia is oblong brass-tone metal. Front has two blue enamel fields with a brass-tone metal line betweenDimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 1.063 × 0.375 × 0.25 in. (2.7 × 1 × 0.6 cm)Inscriptions
Marks(a)
Raised text on reverse at center "STERLING".
Historical NotesThese Flight Officer rank insignia 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
On View
Not on view
Related Object
1944-1945
1941-1945
1944-1945
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1942-1945
1941-1953
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