Antonio Amantea
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Lecce, Italy
Antonio Amantea | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 28 September 1894 Lecce, Italy |
| Died | 13 July 1983 Lecce, Italy |
| Allegiance | Italy |
| Service | Artillery; aviation |
| Years of service | 1914 - 1918 |
| Rank | Sottotenente |
| Unit | 43a Squadriglia, 71a Squadriglia |
| Awards | Medal for Military Valor (1 bronze and 3 silver awards) |
Sottotenente Antonio Amantea was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories. He lived to become the last surviving Italian ace of the war.[1]
Amantea was working as an electrician when he was conscripted into Italian military in September 1914. He volunteered for aviation. A year later, on 1 September 1915, Sergente Amantea pinned on his wings. His first assignment was to fly artillery spotting missions in a Caudron G-3 on the Isonzo front. He flew 173 combat sorties over the next few months before being picked for fighter training in February 1917. In late March, he returned to action as a member of 71a Squadriglia, flying over the Asiago plateau.[2]
On 2 August 1917, he scored his first confirmed victory, although he had to break off his attack because of a bum magneto and sputtering engine and crashland his own plane. He submitted a claim for the 23rd that went unverified. However, he had better luck the next day, sharing a confirmed win over an Albatros D.III with Antonio Riva but not having a solo second victory confirmed.[1] In December 1917, he upgraded to piloting a Spad VII. By the time he ended his triumphant string on 3 May 1918,[2] he had posted nine victory claims[1] to have five confirmed under the stringent rules used by the Italians.[2]