Colonel William J Cavoli


| Colonel William J Cavoli
William J. Cavoli was born in Philadelphia, PA on 22nd September 1919. Willaim Cavoli enlisted in the Army Air Corps in July of 1941. He attended basic training at Randolph, AFB, Texas. Cavoli was a pilot on B-25's of 500th Bomb Squadron. He saw service in New Guinea, Northern Solomons, Bismark Archipelago, Southern Philippines, Luzon Western Pacific, China, Ryukyus campaigns and the Air Offensive Against Japan. Captain Willaim J Cavoli pilot of B-25D 'Snafu' 41 - 30054 which took off as part of the second wave of bombers over Kavieng. Once over the target, Cavoli's B-25 experienced heavy anti-aircraft fire. After dropping their bombs and flying through heavy smoke, his B-25 was hit, setting the right wing on fire. Cavoli prepared to ditch the plane into Kavieng Harbor, without any hydraulic pressure or airspeed indicator. Cavoli's crew were to be rescued after 85 minutes in the water by Nathan Gordons PBY Catalina. After the war, Cavoli remained in the military and served in defense intelligence. He was stationed in Washington, DC, Florida, Rome, Guatemala, and Panama. He retired from the Air Force in June of 1972 as a full Colonel. Sadly Colonel William J. Cavoli died on 19th April 2007.
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