This is 92 year old John Maltese of Indian Land, SC. Mr. Maltese served in World War II with the Army Air Force 24th Combat Mapping Squadron. Mr. Maltese ran more than 82 operations in China mapping the entire country from Tibet to the coast. The 24th used the Consolidated B-24 Liberator (otherwise known as the F-7 for the 24th, as the bombing components of the B-24 were stripped and made ready with cameras and the essential mapping technologies of the time) and Mr. Maltese was the top turret gunner on each of these missions. This is an unsung group of airmen who performed an often overlooked, but vital task to the victory of the Allied Forces in the Pacific theater. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Mr. Maltese still today carries the vim and vigor of an early 20s soldier. It was such a pleasure getting to meet him. Please join us in celebrating his service and thanking him for his sacrifice and bravery in the face of conflict. Thank you Mr. Maltese!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:05:51 +0000