Luigi (Gino) Proner

Lavis, 1913-the skies of Sidi el Barrani, 1940

World War II: Fighters

After obtaining his diploma at the Liceo Prati in Trento, from 1933 to 1936 he attends the Physical Education Academy of the Farnesina in Rome that opens him the door to the command of the GIL of Rovereto. Attracted to flying, he obtains his civil pilot’s licence, followed by a military pilot’s licence obtained in Caserta. A reserve officer in Novi Ligure, Verona and Ghedi, he then attends the Flight Academy of Florence and is nominated lieutenant on active duty. Assigned to the 98th Assault Fighter Squadrilla stationed in Libya, he is transferred to northern Africa on 12 July 1940. He is killed in action on 15 October 1940 in the skies above Sidi el Barrani.