Archive
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTERS
ADVERTISE| CLASSIFIEDS| JOBS| E-TRIB
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NETWORK NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS NETWORK
Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source
Connellsville veteran's WWII diary in print at last | TribLIVE.com
News

Connellsville veteran's WWII diary in print at last

Laura Szepesi
DCPrestia1062715
Lori C. Padilla | for Trib Total Media
Michael Prestia wrote in his journal every day while stationed in Deopham Green, England, during World War II. The 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Force recorded every one of the 35 missions he served, now producing a collection of his journal entries, which take the readers day to day with him during his time with the 8th Air Force. Copies of his journal entries have been reproduced, bound and given to the Connellsville Area Historicial Society to be available for reading at the Gibson House.
DCPrestia2062715
Lori C. Padilla | for Trib Total Media
Michael Prestia shows a copy of his journal entries that have been reproduced, bound and given to the Connellsville Area Historicial Society to be available for reading at the Gibson House.

At age 92, Mike Prestia of Connellsville qualifies as a hero veteran of World War II, having survived 35 missions as a navigator aboard a B-17 bomber in the skies over Europe.

During the war, though, he was a patriotic but petrified youth barely out of high school. Ditto most of his crewmates who served with the 8th Army Air Force stationed in Deopham Green, England. When the war ended, Prestia had attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant U.S. Army Air Force's 452nd Bomb Group 730th Squadron.

Prestia kept a diary about his 35 missions. The harrowing flights affected him deeply. Upon returning home, the diary found its way into Prestia's attic, where the information stayed for decades.

The B-17 reportedly was the U.S. mainstay — and largest — bomber, thereby earning it the title of Flying Fortress. Yet even fortresses can be damaged and destroyed. Prestia's diary points that out throughout his diary, which is filled with accounts of friendly fire, flak (ground fire) and quirky things that happened to injure and kill those aboard. Prestia said he survived by hanging on to one goal — returning home to Connellsville.

Recently, two of his brothers, Jack and Paul, visited for a family reunion, during which copies of the World War II diary were presented to Connellsville Area Historical Society.

Originally compiled by Mike Prestia, the volume was reorganized by Don and Larry Orlando, Prestia's nephews.

Helping to keep Mike Prestia's World War II memories alive was Mike's brother, Jack, 81, who was only 13 years old when the hostilities ended. He recalled being fascinated by the accomplishments of his big brother Mike, who never spoke about the war. The sentiment was echoed by “baby” brother, Paul, 77, who now lives in Valley Forge.

“I'd sneak up to the attic and read (Mike's) notes about the war,” said Jack Prestia, who lives in Maryland.

The Prestia family had eight children — four boys and four girls. Five remain to enjoy each other's company (Ross Prestia, Rita Orlando and Amelia Zakour are deceased). Sister Gloria Gasbarro lives in Connellsville and Marie Tarnay is in Maine.

Connellsville Area Historical Society President Karen Hechler expressed gratitude for Prestia's memories, which will be available to the public at the society's Military Room, located at the renovated Gibson House on West Patterson Avenue, South Side.

The circa-1870s stone structure is believed to be the oldest structure in Connellsville. It was damaged by fire and was nearly torn down before it was rescued by the historical society, which has patiently restored it during the past few years. It is now open by appointment on Wednesdays. Call 724-628-5344 for more information.

Laura Szepesi is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.