15TH AAF IN ITALY — Col. Thomas W. Steed (at left), of Etowah, Term., commanding officer of a 15th AAF Liberator Bomber group, shown above pinning the Distinguished Flying Cross on S/Sgt. Dominic Gemelli, (at right) 24. of 284 Lenox street, Norwood. Sgt. Gemelli is probably the only mess sergeant in the 15th AAF to wear the medal. He was a ball turret gunner last June at the time he performed the deeds which warranted the award. Grounded after the mission, his 35th, Sgt. Jamella became mess sergeant for the group.

15TH AAF IN ITALY .. Ssgt Dominic Gemelli, 24. of 284 Lenox street. Norwood, aerial gunner, has been awarded the second battle star, according to an announcement by the 15th AAF in Italy.

He received the award as a member of a veteran 15th AAF Liberator Bomber group which has flown numerous bombing missions in direct support of the invasion of southern France during August and September.

The group, commanded by Col. Thomas W. Steed, of Etowah. Tcnn., is a veteran of more than 145 combat missions and was previously awarded a battle star for its participation in the Italian combat zone.

The Battle Stars are worn on the European – African – Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon.

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