Joseph Marini

Found peace on August 28, 2011 at the age of 90 years. Survived by Claire, his wife of 66 years, his daughters, Diane (Jack) Stacy and Karen (Brad) Seidel. Joe was one of nine children; five of his siblings are still with us today. He is further survived and admired by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A World War II volunteer, Joe was appointed an aviation Cadet a week before Pearl Harbor. He trained to pilot the P-47 Thunderbolt at Mitchell Field in Massachusetts, where he met Claire.

Joe served with the 397th Squadron of the 368th Fighter Group, trained for ground support. Assigned to the 9th Air Force in England, Joe flew over Normandy softening the invasion beachhead. On the morning of D-Day, Joe was officer of the day, and had to wait to sortie over the beachhead later that day. His unit was one of the first to be transferred to a base in France. On his 88th mission, Joe’s Thunderbolt, the Dirty Joe, took a hit and he was taken prisoner.

When the Russians liberated the prison camp, Joe did not wait for the Army to provide transportation home. He and three other prisoners walked, rode a tractor, and drove a horse-drawn cart to the British lines.

For his service, Joe was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal, and he wore the Purple Heart. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean Conflict, flying the F-84 jet fighter.

He became a life member of the 368th Fighter Group Association, Ninth Air Force Association, P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association, and American Ex-Prisoners of War, among others.

In 2011, Joe was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor of France for his service over Normandy. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Only two survivors of the 368th remain.

Visitation at the Funeral Home Wednesday August 31 from 4-6 PM. Funeral Service to follow at 6 PM. Entombment and full military honors will be held Tuesday, September 6 at 2 PM at Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to a veteran’s organization of your choice