Mario Stoppani

Mario Stoppani
Mario Stoppani (left)
Born	24 May 1895 Lovere, Kingdom of Italy
Died	20 September 1959
Allegiance	Italy
Service/branch	Aviation
Rank	Sergente
Unit	76a Squadriglia, 3a Squadriglia
Awards	2 Silver awards of Medal for Military Valor, Russian Cross of St. George, both a Silver and a Gold Medal for Aeronautical Valor
Other work	Made 15 first flights and set 41 aviation records

Sergente Mario Stoppani (24 May 1895 – 20 September 1959) was a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. His valor earned him two Silver awards of the Medal for Military Valor and the Russian Cross of St. George during the World War I.

After the war, after a short spell as an aviation instructor, in 1927 Stoppani began a long career as a test pilot and an extensive career setting aeronautical records. He would continue as a test pilot throughout World War II and beyond. While associated with aeronautical designer Filippo Zappata, Stoppani would make 15 first flights and set 41 aeronautical records, one of which still stands. In the course of these feats, Stoppani earned both a Silver and a Gold Medal for Aeronautical Valor. Post World War II, he worked for Breda and SIAI Marchetti.

Mario Stoppani was born in Lovere, Kingdom of Italy on 24 May 1895. He apprenticed as an auto mechanic at age 15, circa 1910. On 6 November 1913, he enlisted in the Battaglione Aviatori (Aviators' Battalion). In February 1915, he was selected for pilot's training at Pisa.

In June 1915, Stoppani was posted to an operational unit, 3a Squadriglia. Based at Medeuzza, he flew a Macchi Parasol on reconnaissance patrols. He was awarded a Silver Medal for Military Valor for his exploits during August through November 1915.

In January 1916, he was seconded to instructor duty at Malpensa. He stayed there until May, when he was assigned to newly formed 76a Squadriglia, based at La Comina. Flying a Nieuport 11, he scored his first aerial victory on 9 July 1916, sharing it with Luigi Olivari. By 1 December 1916, he had tallied five more, including a shared win with Luigi Olivi. He was recommended for a second Silver Medal for Military Valor in November; that same month he was asked to become a test pilot for Ansaldo.