Italo Balbo
Aviation (1896-1940)
Italy’s pre-World War II aeronautical prowess was showcased in the summer of1933, when Gen. Italo Balbo led a squadron of 24 SavoiaMarchetti seaplanes ina historic Atlantic crossing. Flying in formation for the entire journey, thesquadron landed on Lake Michigan to international acclaim during Chicago’sCentury of Progress World’s Fair. Balbo was hailed as a hero and fetedthroughout the city. Today, two civic monuments and a street in Chicago givetestimony to this unprecedented achievement. (Provided by Fra Noi/Written byPaul Basile)For more geniuses, go to https://www.jccia.com/genius