Orazio Pierozzi
Orazio Pierozzi | |
|---|---|
Medal for Military Valor |
Tenente di Vascello Orazio Pierozzi (1884–1919) was a World War I flying ace credited with seven aerial victories.[1]
Biography
Orazio Pierozzi was born in
San Casciano Val di Pesa in the Kingdom of Italy on 8 December 1884. He began his military career on 8 November 1908, when he entered the Italian Naval Academy at Livorno. By the time he reported for aviation training on 15 June 1916, he was a seasoned sailor. On 14 October, he was rated as a pilot; three days later, he was assigned to Brindisi Naval Air Station, which he would rise to command.[2]
On 15 May 1917, he staked his first aerial victory claim; however, it was denied, and aviation historians have since been unable to find a corresponding
Medal for Military Valor during the year.[2]
On 18 March 1918, Pierozzi was appointed to command of the newly formed Italian naval
Rovigno. He would not score his last accredited victory on 2 July 1918. He would fight on until the Austro-Hungarian surrender on 3 November 1918; that day he would transfer to the newly reconquered city of Trieste. Pierozzi's war had ended after 700 combat sorties, including over 500 fighter missions. He had submitted 16 claims for aerial victories, only seven of which were approved.[2]
On 17 March 1919, Pierozzi began a return flight to Trieste from
Tergeste, immediately rescued both fliers. However, Orazio Pierozzi died the next day. He was awarded a fourth silver medal for Military Valor posthumously for his efforts in protecting his passenger during the accident.[2]
Sources of information
References
- ISBN 978-1-898697-56-5.