Henry A. Roche

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Air Force

Henry A. Roche entered the Army Air Corps on February 1942.

He graduated from cadet flight training in November 1942, commissioned Second Lieutenant, and served as a pilot.

Mr. Roche shared the following: "Went overseas by ship to Casablanca, French Morocco, for the final training and joined the 31st Fighter Group in March 1943. Transferred to Malta to fly cover for the Sicilian invasion of Salerno. After Sicily I went to Italy to cover the invasion of Salerno. Flew a total of 146 combat missions and destroyed three German planes, had two probables and one damaged."

"Also flew cover for the troops at Anzio. Our pilots shot down four planes. I flew British Spitfires in combat and P-51s before coming home and also back in the U.S. at Holman Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, while attending the U of M."

"Most memorable experience was leading a flight of four Spitfires to escort the Italian representatives who signed the capitulation. I was the airdrome officer the day Patton slapped the soldier and became a memory."

Mr. Roche was awarded the following: Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters.

He was relieved from active duty in November 1945.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 269.