Mario Visintini
| Mario Visintini | |
|---|---|
C. 1936
|
|
| Birth name | Mario Visentin |
| Nickname(s) | “cacciatore scientifico” |
| Born |
26 April 1913 Parenzo,Austria-Hungary |
| Died | 11 February 1941 (aged 27) Mount Bizen, Nefasit, Eritrea |
| Buried | Asmara, Eritrea |
| Allegiance | Italy |
| Service/branch |
Regia Aeronautica Aviazione Legionaria |
| Years of service | 1936 – 1941 |
| Rank | Capitano |
| Unit | 25ª Squadriglia of XVI° Gruppo "La Cucaracha", 413ª Squadriglia, 412ª Squadriglia |
| Battles/wars |
Spanish Civil War World War II |
| Awards |
Medaglia d'Oro al Valor Militare Medaglia di Bronzo al Valor Militare |
Mario Visintini, MOVM, (26 April 1913 – 11 February 1941), was the first Regia Aeronautica ace of World War II. In recognition of his flying skill and meticulousness, Visintini was nicknamed cacciatore scientifico (scientific fighter pilot).
Visintini was the top scoring pilot of all belligerent air forces in Eastern Africa (Africa Orientale) and the top biplane fighter ace of World War II; he achieved all his air victories flying the Fiat CR.42 biplane. He is credited with 16 confirmed air victories and five probables, plus two victories achieved during the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria.
Mario Visentin (later changed to "Visintini") was born in Parenzo d'Istria on 26 April 1913. His father was an agricultural expert. Visintini tried to enter the Regia Accademia Aeronautica but did not pass the medical examination because he was declared "too weak and susceptible". So he enrolled in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at "Università di Bologna". Subsequently, in spring 1936, he entered the air training centre at Caproni di Taliedo. Transferred to Lecce, Visintini followed the usual training program. He gained his civilian pilot's licence on 30 May 1936. and his military wings in September 1936. Two months later, he qualified as a military pilot at Grottaglie, Taranto, on Breda Ba.25s and Fiat CR.20s. With the rank of Sottotenente, he was posted to the 91ª Squadriglia, 10°Gruppo, 4° Stormo, at Gorizia, in northeast Italy, where he trained on Fiat CR.30s and Fiat CR.32s.
In November 1937, Visintini volunteered for service in the Spanish Civil War. He was attached to 25ªSquadriglia of XVI° Gruppo "La Cucaracha", then equipped with Fiat CR.32s. In Spain, Visintini distinguished himself as an outstanding pilot, claiming a number of kills. At least two of his victories are confirmed. On 24 August 1938 he shot down a Russian Polikarpov I-15 fighter aircraft, while, on 5 September 1938, he claimed a Polikarpov I-16 of 1a Escuadrilla Chatos, over Venta de los Campesinos. In October 1938, after 330 hours of combat, Visintini returned to Italy, rejoining 4° Stormo. For his service in Spain, he was decorated with a first Medaglia d'Argento al valor militare. In September 1939, he was promoted in Servizio Permanente Effettivo.
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Wikipedia