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Dedication to Aviator and Test Pilot
Giovanni Pirelli was born in Although not much has been printed on how or when Giovanni (John) Pirelli got involved with aviation, he did become a pilot and was commissioned in the Italian Air Force during World War I. It is interesting to note that the Italians were using
aircraft in conflicts dating back to the Italian-Turkish War, in November 1911.
This occurred about 8 years after the Wright Brothers recorded their first
flight in Kitty Hawk
,
It was following the Armistice, after World War I, that
it was essential that during this uncertainly, Giovanni Pirelli and others were
sent to As reported from the “Lieut. Giovanni Pirelli Is Instantly Killed at Wilbur Wright Field”
Lieutenant Pirelli was instantly killed, it is believed, life being extinct when officers and others at the post, who had seen him take a nose-dive to earth, reached his side. It is estimated the unfortunate hero-aviator fell from a height of about 200 feet. Just what happened to his plane is not known, because it is said his controls were in perfect working order even after the wrecked machine was inspected.
Lieutenant Pirelli, along with Lieutenant Cantoni and
Lodovico Fusari, their mechanics, all of who is a part of the Italian military
mission of Aeronautics, came to
“Everything
was working perfectly”, said the mechanic, Fusari, “when he left the ground.
He soared away toward Wright Field at modest height and seemed about to describe
a circle preparatory to greater altitude and engaging in some stunt flying,
The unfortunate man’s chest crushed and he
suffered numerous cuts and bruises about the arms and legs. After full military
investigation the body was turned over to Undertaker R.R. Whitmer, who prepared
it for burial and is holding it awaiting word of its disposition from Captain
Tappi. It is thought the body will shipped to his former home in
According to mechanic Fusari, who was extremely fond of his associate, Lieutenant Pirelli was one of the most loved and respected men in the aviation section of the Italian Army. He had been in the service about three years, and was noted for his daring and effective work against the Austrian aviators. He first piloted a scout machine and later became what is there known as a hunter. While engaged in this latter activity of hunting out enemy flyers he succeeded in downing several and has to official credit at least four. He was given three decorations for his work, and his government added another that was greatly cherished, a special “Military Cross of Merit”
The
Prominent
Family
Lieutenant Pirelli’s father, mother and two
brothers reside in Lieutenant Cantoni, his partner in the experimental
work, left the city for
The
Local
Italians – Tribute Hero Local Italians headed by Peter Cusimano, Dayton Consolidated Fruit Company, 222 East Third Street will supply a floral piece and assist in arrangements for sending the body of Lieutenant Giovanni Pirelli, killed here Tuesday, to New York City. Captain Carlo Tappi, commanding the
Italian Aeronautic
11 Years Later
Dedication
of Memorial Speech
given by March
12, 1930
We
are gathered today upon this historic spot to honor the memory of Lieutenant
Giovanni Pirelli of
During the uncertain weeks immediately following the signing of the
Armistice, Lieutenant Pirelli was a member of the Italian Military
Lieutenant Pirelli at the time of his death was survived by his parents
and two brothers, all prominent residents of
Eleven years have passed but his sacrifice has not been made in vain. His
example while amongst us here and his passing at a time when he was so actively
engaged in service to two great nations cannot soon be forgotten. It is one more
important link in the friendship bond between
Wright Field By
Commander Silvie Scaroni When the family of Giovanni Pirelli entrusted me with the task of ascertaining whether the American Government would have any objection in placing a memorial stone on the spot where their son lost his life about ten years ago, I realized immediately that my task would have been quite an easy one, as my experience of four and a half years in this country has shown me that the American people do not forget their friends and always respond to calls of the heart. Giovanni Pirelli, whom I had the distinction of having as an associate in several actions in the World War I, was one of the most loved of our comrades. We respected him for his professional ability, we respected him still more and loved him more for his remarkable personality, and when we in Italy heard of his death, we felt that another brother was lost and that the Italian Aviation has lost one of its most valuable members. We, his old friends in War, in particular, felt so proud of having Pirelli here on this side of the Atlantic, because we were perfectly convinced the Italian Aviation could not have been better represented among our American comrades. Lieutenant Pirelli fell to his death in this spot, where the American Government, accepting the suggestion of the Assistant Secretary of War for Aviation, Mr. Trubee Davison, has authorized the placing of this simple but significant and everlasting memory of our great and heroic friend. In handing over to you
this memorial stone in the name of the Pirelli family and myself, I wish to
express to the American Government the sentiment of our very deep gratitude for
this further token of friendship and generosity, and I wish to thank also Mr.
Trubee Davison for having cooperated so efficiently in obtaining permission to
place this memorial stone, and I wish to thank General Fechet, the Chief of the
Army Air Corps, for his extremely kind act in causing the officers of the Army
Air Corps to honor with their presence here the memory of Giovanni Pirelli, and
for having sent here from Washington DC, Colonel Andrews to represent him at the
ceremony. And to you, too, General Foulois, as Commanding Officer of this
historic station, which will from now on hold this symbol of an heroic spirit,
not lost in vain. I express the thanks and everlasting gratitude of his parents
and relatives. Convinced, as I am that this simple stone will also be a symbol
of friendship between the American and the Italian Aviation, between the
General Fouloise made the opening address that day.
Presentation of the tablet to the
Soon after that day, that the Order Sons of Hence, John Pirelli Lodge #1633.
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It
is this man, that our Order Sons of 
To
Giovanni Pirelli’s credit, he spent three years on the Italian-Austrian battle
front during World War I. He was also credited with downing at least four enemy
airplanes and had been decorated for his daring and bravery. He was awarded a
special military cross of merit from the Italian Government.
