James V. Fiorelli

James Vincent Fiorelli (July 31, 1940 – March 9, 1994) was a colonel in the United States Air Force and a decorated military aviator. He was inducted into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.

Early life and education

Fiorelli was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to Dominic and Margaret Fiorelli. He was raised in the Canby Park neighborhood and attended St. Elizabeth’s parish. Fiorelli graduated from Salesianum School in 1958, where he played varsity football. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1964.

Military career

After graduation, Fiorelli completed primary pilot training at Webb Air Force Base in Texas and combat crew training in the F-100 Super Sabre at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. In 1966, he was assigned to the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron in South Vietnam, where he flew 490 combat missions. He also flew 58 combat sorties as part of the "Misty" Forward Air Controllers.

Fiorelli earned the Silver Star, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal with 26 oak leaf clusters. After Vietnam, he served as an instructor pilot at Williams Air Force Base, participated in an exchange tour flying F-104s at Cold Lake, Canada, and later joined the Tucson Air National Guard's 162nd Tactical Fighter Group in October 1972. He became the first F-16 squadron commander at Tucson, forming the 148th Fighter Squadron.

Death

Fiorelli died of a heart attack on March 9, 1994, near Tucson, Arizona, while investigating a training accident as part of his duties with the 162nd Fighter Group (Air National Guard).

References

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