Arthur E. Martone

Arthur Martone turned his dream into becoming a pilot a reality when he decided to join the Army Air Force as an Aviation Cadet during World War II. Throughout his career in the military, he was a part of multiple organizations, including US Army Air Corps, and the New Jersey Air National Guard. Her served as an Operations Officer, a Fighter Pilot, and a P-40 Instructor.

During his service in Europe during World War II, Martone flew 166 bomber missions. One of those missions even included him bailing out 65 miles behind German lines in Italy. He ended up being hidden by Italian farmers for several days. His home base was out of Cherignola Air Base, Italy.

Martone continued to lead a very successful career as a pilot. In 1947 he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard. Martone was activated during both the Korea War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He served in the Berlin Crisis. Martone retired from the NJ Air National Guard in 1980. Retirement had not stopped him from his passion for airplanes however; at the time of this oral history interview, at the age of 93, he continued to fly.

Martone received the Purple Heart Medal (2), the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the NJ Distinguished Service Medal. He was inducted into the NJ Aviation Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Colonel Arthur Martone lived to age 96, and he died surrounded by his family at the hospital on January 18, 2020.

Additional Resource:

• WWII fighter pilot inducted into NJ Aviation Hall of Fame