Master Sergeant Mario J. Filigenzi
Master Sergeant Mario J. Filigenzi
It seems like destiny to be born on Veteran’s Day and die on Memorial Day. This is true of an authentic Erie hero. Master Sergeant Mario J. Filigenzi was born November 11, 1921 to Loreta Arduini Filigenzi and Dante Filigenzi. With his sisters, Louisa Filigenzi Battaglia and Theodora Filigenzi Cyone, Mario grew up in a close knit, resourceful family. He graduated from Academy High School in 1939 and enlisted in the air corps soon after his 18th birthday. He attended the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, New Jersey and the G.E. School in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Mario always wanted to be a traveler and travel he did. By the time he was 20 years old, Mario had completely circumnavigated the globe in his B-17 as a member of the famed 19th bombardment group, the “Gypsy” 93rd squadron which participated in air battles over Java, Mindanao, Rabaul, New Guinea, and elsewhere in the southwest Pacific.
On August 7, 1942 in a bombardment mission over enemy territory near Rabaul, Master Sergeant Filigenzi and the rest of his formation were intercepted by a number of Zero type fighters. During the ensuing engagement, one engine and the oxygen system were disabled. In spite of these severe handicaps, flight engineer Master Sergeant Filigenzi operated the top turret guns. By his accurate firing, he warded off many enemy attacks, thus enabling the formation to complete the bombing run which resulted in the destruction of a large number of enemy aircraft on Vunakanau airdome.
For his many gallant efforts, Master Sergeant Filigenzi received many honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters awarded to him for having completed 50 operational missions in flight against enemy fire power. He was the first World War II veteran from Erie to be awarded the Silver Star. He received commendations from Lt. General George C. Kinney as well as H.H. Arnold, General of the Army, Commanding General, Army Air Forces.
Master Sergeant Filigenzi and his squadron were featured in The National Geographic magazine in January, 1943. The exploits of his squadron were detailed in the book On Wings We Conquer by John Mitchel. “The Ballad of the Gypsy 93rd” was written to celebrate his squadron.
Although his flying almost cost him his life twice, Master Sergeant Filigenzi always returned to the skies to do what he loved most. Forty eight hours before he was to return home, Master Sergeant Filigenzi died in a plane crash on May 31, 1945 in England. Today the plot in which he rests is shared with his parents who outlived him by over 40 years.