William J. Cavoli USAF Col. Ret.

William J. Cavoli was born in Philadelphia, PA to parents that had immigrated from near Bologna, Italy. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in July of 1941. He attended basic training at Randolph, AFB, Texas. He married Emma Marie Fabbri of Vineland, New Jersey in April of 1942. She passed away in 1995 and is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Bill served as a pilot in the 500th Bomb Squadron, part of the 345th Bomb Group of the 5th Air Force during World War II. His unit served in the following campaigns: New Guinea, Northern Solomons, Bismark Archipelago, Southern Philippines, Luzon Western Pacific, China, Ryukyus, and the Air Offensive Against Japan. He was shot down off the enemy coast and rescued by Nathan Gordon, who as a result became the first Naval Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor.

After the war, Bill remained in the military and served in defense intelligence. He was stationed in Washington, DC, Florida, Rome, Guatemala, and Panama. He retired from the Air Force in June of 1972 as a full Colonel.

After a second successful career as a stockbroker in Washington, DC. he retired to San Antonio, Texas in 1987. He settled into life working on his yard—winning yard of the month several times in the Encino Park area. He also served as a founding member and executive secretary of his World War II Squadron Association.

Bill was fluent in Italian and Spanish, as well as speaking Portuguese. He was an avid sports fan, always supporting his Philadelphia teams. He also enjoyed watching his grandsons participate in sports and JROTC.

He is survived by his second wife of ten years, Kathleen Siedo, his daughter, Kathleen Rubin, her husband, Adam, and grandsons, Adam and Peter.

We appreciate your expressions of sympathy—donations to Bill's favorite charity: The Valley of the Angels Orphanage, in Guatemala, are especially welcome. Their mailing information is: Father Rocco Famiglietti, OFM, PO Box 522505, Miami, FL 33152-2505.