France honors RI mechanic in World War II
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.—France is honoring a Rhode Island mechanic in World War II for his military service liberating that nation from German occupation in 1944.
The Providence Journal reports ( http://bit.ly/GQcQnM) that Michael Pezza of East Providence is set to visit the French consul in Boston on Friday with his wife, Helen, and other family members to receive the Legion of Honor.
The 89-year-old, Pezza, a former sergeant and assistant crew chief in the 9th Air Force, maintained and repaired a bomber that never went down to German fire or mechanical malfunction.
Pezza takes pride that no one ever was injured in what he calls his plane.
The assistant to the consul general says Pezza's role as an airplane mechanic was as important as the service of a soldier.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
