Giorgio Michetti

Tenente Colonnello Giorgio Michetti was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Early life and service

Giorgio Michetti was born in Francavilla al Mare, Kingdom of Italy on 29 May 1888. He was the son of famous painter Francesco Paolo Michetti. The younger Michetti was raised in a bohemian household on the Adriatic seafront; he grew up in a progressive atmosphere, knowing Gabriele d'Annunzio. Giorgio Michetti served his conscription duty in 1905. Ten years later, he was recalled to military service when Italy entered World War I.

World War I

Michetti originally served with the 27th Field Artillery Regiment, but volunteered for aviation. On 1 August 1915, he was forwarded for aviation training at Cameri as an aspirant. Beginning 26 March 1916, he was posted to a reconnaissance unit, rank sergente. By January 1917, he was serving with 43a Squadriglia, where he first met Silvio Scaroni. On 20 June 1917, he went off to fighter training on Nieuports at Malpensa, and was commissioned. He moved to Pisa for a quick gunnery course on 25 July. On 29 July 1917, he was posted to 76a Squadriglia and reunited with Scaroni. During the next few months, he clocked up flying time for experience, but had few brushes with the enemy. It was probably during this era that Michetti played one of the practical jokes for which he was noted; he bombed the Austro-Hungarians with a bag full of rats. On the day after Christmas, he scored his first victory, being one of several winners over a German DFW C.I. His old friend Scaroni shared in the victory, as did Antonio Riva and three British fliers. The victory, shared or not, won Michetti a Silver Medal for Military Valor.