Raid of the B-17 of the USAAF’s 414th Bomb Squadron, 97th Bomb Group, June 11, 1943, during the final phase of the conquest of Pantelleria island (Operation Corkscrew). Victor Sierra

Bombs over Pantelleria

Santa Claus in his PACIFIC THEATER SUIT delivering mail to the crews of the 11 th BOMB GROUP HEAVY.

Christmas in the Pacific 11th BGH

Vraciu's parents had immigrated from Romania at the turn of the century, settling in East Chicago, Indiana. His father, Alexandru Sr., was born in Poiana Sibiului, and his mother, Maria (née Tincu) was from Sebeș. After his birth, the family returned to Romania for a brief residence, as his parents hoped that the experience would rub off on him and that he would be immersed in the culture. Vraciu graduated from DePauw University in 1941 and enlisted as a naval aviator in the United States Navy Reserve. While at university, Vraciu was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Vraciu