For the Duration Plus Six Months

by Major Silveo G. Colletti, USAF Retired

 

Book Details

Armed with his sense of humor, a camera and his tiple ukulele, Silveo Colletti starts off on his WWII adventure that takes him from Linden, New Jersey to the far South Pacific and back. This first-hand account, written entirely by Major Colletti, is rich with historical details, music of the day, and over 200 restored original photos and documents that will pull you into the story, making you feel like you were there. From his induction into the Army to tearing across the Pacific with the famous Red Raiders, he takes you through four years, one month, seventeen days, nine states, eleven countries, twenty-four military bases, thirty-nine missions, three hundred sixty-three combat hours... and one Redhead.

 

About the Author

Major Silveo G. Colletti, USAF Retired

Silveo Gaetano Colletti was born in Manhattan, New York in 1919. He grew up in Linden, New Jersey with his parents, three brothers and one sister. He became interested in aviation at an early age and was one of the founding members of the Linden Model Aircraft Club and a charter member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He was drafted into the Army in October 1941 and put his knowledge of airplanes to good use when he became a B-24 bombardier in the Pacific Theater. After his tour of duty, he returned to New Jersey and resumed his career as a watchmaker in Manhattan. He retired in 1984 and resides in Westfield, New Jersey with his wife Verna. They have five children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1979 retiring as a Major.