In remembrance of Patrick Solano, a decorated World War II veteran who became a public servant under nine Pennsylvania governors, WVIA will air a special rebroadcast of the award-winning original documentary film “War Stories: Pat Solano” this Friday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. on WVIA-TV.
The Pittston Township resident died peacefully at home on Jan. 23 at the age of 95, surrounded by his wife of 66 years and his family.
His obituary describes his long and interesting life:
Born in Pittston on June 22, 1925, he was the son of the late Carlo and Mary Aita Solano. In 1942, Pat graduated from Pittston Twp. High School and was drafted by the U.S. Army Air Corps, along with his brother, Nick. He served as a flight engineer on 23 combat missions with the Eighth U.S. Air Force Heavy Bombardment Group aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress. For his service, he was awarded the Group Presidential Citation, the Air Force Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Combat Theatre Medal with two Bronze Stars.