 |
 Meotti, Joseph J. Sr.,: 1921 - 2003 |
 |
Joseph J. Meotti, Sr., 82, of Glastonbury and Highland Beach, FL, beloved husband of Peggy (O'Brien) Meotti for over 52 years, died Thursday (November 27, 2003).
Born March 20, 1921 in New Britain, he was the son of the late Aldo and Ida Meotti. Graduated from New Britain High School in 1939, he volunteered for service in World War II with the U.S. Navy Aviation Training Program and was awarded his "wings" in Pensacola, FL.
Assigned to Air Group VF-80 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga, he saw action in the Pacific Theatre and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Cross for heroism for flying into his own ship's antiaircraft fire to shoot down an enemy kamikaze pilot threatening his ship.
Squadron Highlights
Lt. J.W. Fair, USN was the first VF-80 pilot to destroy an enemy aircraft in the air.
Japanese heavy cruiser NACHI sunk by planes of air group 80 NACHI.
Japanese Kumano class cruiser sunk by planes of air group 80 KUMANO.
More Coming Soon.
