John R. Baeta

After 101 years of a life lived well, John Baeta peacefully passed away on June 10th 2022 as a resident of Mercy McMahon Terrace. He was pre-deceased by his wives Muriel Biaggi Baeta and Del Biaggi Baeta, Sister Louise Mello, Brother-in-law Jack Mello and half-brother Frank Baeta

He was born August 13, 1920 in Bryte California …. just outside Sacramento, graduated from Woodland High School and attended then Sacramento Junior College.

He got his Public Accounting license (equivalent to today’s CPA’s license) and worked for 40 years with the State of California in the Franchise Tax Board as an auditor.

He was a giving person to his family and to all who knew him. He served his country with honor.

In 1942 he Joined the Army Air Corp, which became the United States Air Force, and served in the Pacific during WWII flying a B25 Strafer Bomber mostly out of the Philippine’s. His missions were both attacking land-based targets in Vietnam then known as Indochina and enemy naval vessels in the Indo China Sea.

He flew 50 combat missions throughout the Pacific area, and on one mission after strafing an enemy ship, had to ditch in the South China Sea from damages caused by small arms fire. He brought his plane down near a submerged reef. Although the plane was torn apart and some of his crew were injured his skill saved them all. They floated in life rafts for 11 hours before, being picked up by a Navy PBM Mariner. He also had to do a dangerous wheels-up landing at San Marcelino Air Base in the Philippine’s due to a damaged landing gear. He was successful. No one was injured. The video of that landing is featured on YouTube under the title “Wheels up landing B25 Captain John Baeta”. After he completed his 50 combat missions, he was stationed on the Island of Ie Shima and volunteered to fly search and rescue missions. On one of the flights, he purposely flew off course over Hiroshima and observed the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. He also flew an advanced contingent of VIPs to Korea to pave the way for the occupation of Korea. He witnessed a piece of history as his Bomb Group was given the honor of escorting the Japanese surrender team to and from Manila with landings on Ie Shima. Among the many decorations and citations, he received, were the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In December of 1945 he returned to the United States aboard the USS Highlands designated as group commander for the contingent of officers and enlisted men returning to the States. The ship arrived in San Francisco on Christmas day after sailing 14 days.

On his return home he met and married his first wife, Muriel. Muriel and 4 of her sisters joined the Marine Corps early during WWII. The first time 5 sisters had ever joined the service together.

One of the sisters Del stayed in the marines for 22 years becoming a Master Sargent and after retiring from the marines, returned to Sacramento to help John care for his ill wife and Dell’s sister Muriel. Muriel sadly passed away not long after. She and John married and lived in Sacramento until she too passed away 13 years ago. During their married life Del and John were very active in both the marine and air force groups nationally. For several years, they handled the registration activities for John’s Air Group annual convention.

John’s flight training began in 1942 at Eagle field near Dos Palos California. Eagle field trained pilots until 1944. In 1980 Joe Davis, of Fresno California purchased Eagle Field with the vision of restoring it out of respect for the men and women who won the war. In doing so, he hosted fly ins of vintage military aircraft to an annual weekend commemorating and honoring our veterans of the services. John attended many of those events and was recognized as one of the very few remaining veterans who first learned to fly there.

On his 100th birthday and on Memorial Day in 2021 and 2022, he was Honored with a flyover by the Memorial Squadron led by USMC veteran LtCol Mark Becker. The squadron is a group of flyers some veterans, whose mission is commemorating the service of the U.S. military, living and deceased. Also, executive director Darcy Brewer at the 2021 California Capital Air Show, held at Mather Airport honored John on his 101st birthday recognizing his service to our nation. Our family is so grateful to the Memorial Squadron and to the Capital City Air Show for honoring him.

John remained active for many years as a member of three military affiliated groups. The Dadalians – a luncheon group of only pilots, originally WWII, the Gray Eagles – a luncheon group of anyone interested in flying and the DAV, and the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans.

He loved his family dearly, including his neighbors Rob and Joanne Gustafson who were family to him. Family holiday dinners were special. He always looked forward to duck and pheasant hunting with his brother-in-law Jack. Muriel and Del were even more avid Sierra Mountain fly fishers than him and he loved it! And, golfing at Haggin Oaks Golf course was always fun with his retired buddies.

A life well lived and a hero among many heroes of WWII, Captain John Baeta.

He is survived by his family and friends who he loved dearly.

His brother Al (Patty) Baeta, sons Jon (Julie) Baeta, Mike Baeta, (friend Jolynne) extended family friends, Rob (Joanne) Gustafson, daughter Lisa (Don) Lennox, son Keith (Ann), sister Karen Gustafson, Sister Linda Moginie, Nephew Jack Mello (friend Jo Johnson), Nephew Steven (Ann) Mello, Niece Joanne (Jerry) Cordy, Nephew Alan Mello, Niece Carol Aldax from Nevada, cousins Mary Fischer and Barbara Carvalho Lehmann and Simao (Ana Marie) Lottenberg from Brazil.

The daughters and sons of his brother, extended family, sister, nieces, nephews and cousins who all called him “Uncle Johnny”: Sarah and Molly Baeta, Isla Lennox, Erik and Ian Gustafson, Michele (Todd), Aidan and Briella Miesner, Clint Moginie, Brad, (Steffanie), JJ and Alice Mello, Duncan Jensen, Elizabeth, Amariah, Daniel and Eliana Alonge, Nancy (Scott), Helen and Noah Miller, Gary, Amber and Mathew Mello, Heather (Mike) and Summer and Ryan Dabbert, Ben, Max (Justine) Mello and Jackie Mello and Carina and Marcos Lottenberg.

Dr. David Lehman was John’s doctor for over 40 years. The medical care and advice he gave was the best. It was surpassed only by the sincere concern expressed and advice given John and family during this difficult time. We are more than grateful Doctor. Thank you.

A heartfelt gratitude of thanks to his long time house keeper Sorina Icob.

To Martha Miranda, care giver, the most thankful prayers of love and appreciation for her tender care of John

A Rosary for John will be held at Nicoletti funeral home 5401 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento June 22nd at 6:00 PM

A Mass to celebrate his life will be at St. Mary’s catholic church 1333 58th Street Sacramento June 23rd at 10:30 AM

Internment will at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 6509 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento following the Mass June 23rd at 12:00 PM

A reception following the internment will be held at The Sutter Club. 1220 9th St, Sacramento June 23rd from 12:30-3:00 PM

In lieu of flowers you may send donations to either one of his favorite charities. Multiple Sclerosis or Disabled American Veterans.