Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the life and sacrifice of my great-great-uncle Alfred W. Pezzella has been an emotional and enlightening journey. Learning about his role in the Ploesti Raid and the devastating aftermath of his mission brought a sense of closeness to a family member I never met. His death left an indelible mark on my family. For generations, the uncertainty of his fate and the inability to bring him home weighed heavily, creating a sense of loss that resonated through time. Even now, I can see how his story influenced my family, from my grandmother’s quiet reverence to my own decision to embark on this project. This journey has been about more than uncovering history—it’s been about reclaiming a part of my family’s story and finding closure for a loss that has spanned decades.
Yet, Alfred’s story is not unique. Thousands of families across the world share similar experiences of loss and uncertainty. The inability to identify remains or to bring loved ones home leaves a profound void for those left behind. The burden of this ambiguity is a shared sorrow, one that transcends time and geography. For soldiers who fought and died in the world wars, and for their families, this lack of closure adds an enduring weight to the already unimaginable cost of war.
War’s toll is not confined to battlefields. Its effects ripple outward, touching everyone involved—directly or indirectly—and extending through generations. As I pieced together Alfred’s story, I was reminded of the immense human cost of conflict, even when the fighting has long ended. It is a sobering reality that underscores the importance of honoring those who served. Ceremonies and traditions, like those that accompanied Alfred’s return home, are not just acts of remembrance—they are acts of gratitude and recognition for sacrifices made in service to the nation.
No matter how we might view the American military-industrial complex or the broader politics of war, it is crucial to separate our perspectives on these institutions from the respect owed to the individuals who serve. War is often a result of circumstances beyond any single person’s control, and for those in the moment, these decisions carry unimaginable weight. While the ultimate goal should always be to avoid war whenever possible, there are moments in history when such conflicts seem unavoidable. In those times, it is the people who answer the call—our soldiers, our service members, and their families—who bear the burden.
For this reason, I believe it is our responsibility to remember and honor these sacrifices. Whether it is 80 years later or more, we must continue to express gratitude for their service and ensure their stories are never forgotten. Alfred’s return home, his final resting place, and the tributes paid to him reaffirm the enduring importance of this gratitude. Through remembrance, we honor not only the past but also the values of sacrifice, courage, and service that guide us into the future.
In memory of Alfred Pezzella, my great, great uncle, and Betty and Jim Papia, my wonderful grandparents.
Also thank you to my family, aunts, and uncles for their support and all the information they provided throughout this project. Especially my Uncle Vinny for initiating the whole process and helping to bring Alfred home.
Missing In Action
Written by Tyler Pagliazzo
Resources:
Chan, Amy. “What Went Wrong in WWII’s Operation Tidal Wave? | HistoryNet.” HistoryNet, https://www.facebook.com/HistoryNet, 3 Aug. 2020, https://www.historynet.com/operation-tidal-wave/.
Dawsey, Jason. “Over the Cauldron of Ploesti: The American Air War in Romania | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, The National World War II Museum, 11 Aug. 2019, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/over-cauldron-ploesti-american-air-war-romania.
“Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).” Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), https://www.dpaa.mil/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Kalu, Micheal Chimaobi. “Black Sunday - The Disastrous Ploesti Raid in Photos and Video | War History Online.” Warhistoryonline, 12 Sept. 2018, https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/black-sunday-ploesti-raid.html.
Lupiano, Vincent. Operation Tidal Wave. Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.
Miller, Roger. “1943 - Operation Tidalwave, the Low-Level Bombing of the Ploesti Oil Refineries, 1 August 1943 > Air Force Historical Support Division > Fact Sheets.” Air Force Historical Support Division, https://www.afhistory.af.mil/FAQs/Fact-Sheets/Article/459003/1943-operation-tidalwave-the-low-level-bombing-of-the-ploesti-oil-refineries-1/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
mohmuseum. “Bloody Sunday: The Raid on Ploesti and the Medal of Honor - National Medal of Honor Museum.” National Medal of Honor Museum, 23 June 2022, https://mohmuseum.org/ploesti/.
Pruitt, Sarah. “One of the Most Daring WWII Air Raids Targeted Hitler’s Critical ‘Gas Station’ | HISTORY.” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/news/operation-tidal-wave-hitler-gas-station. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Rosenfield, Michael. “Remains of Newton Lieutenant Brought Back to Mass., 80 Years after Plane Shot down in WWII – NBC Boston.” NBC Boston, NBC Boston, 21 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/remains-of-newton-lieutenant-brought-back-to-mass-80-years-after-plane-shot-down-in-wwii/3166901/.
*Archived video taken from British Pathe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_e7rBuYcNo&t=80s
*Thank you to the photographer, Maia Kennedy, who photographed the funeral and interment process.
*Huge thank you to any other sources I used but failed to mention. If something needs to be taken down, let me know.
