The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-10-18
ITALIAN OFFICERS HERE FOR RACES
 GIVEN RECEPTION


 ternational Balloon Race
 Arrive In City
 Maj. Giuseppe Valle, Mai. Domenico Leone, Maj. Ugo Me dori and Lieut.. Pirazzoli An selmo, members of the two Italian teams to compete in the international balloon race here next Saturday, were given most hearty reception yester- day afternoon by their fellow countrymen, upon reaching Birmingham.
 | An Italian band from the T. c. I. Company. together with several hun dred Italians, were at the Terminal sta ton to greet the distinguished visitors. number of American and Italian flags were part of the decorations. 1 The band played the American and Italian national anthems. A parade of about 1000 men escorted the guests of honor to the Hotel Tutwiler. Major Valle made short talk to the crowd ! pairing to his rooms.
 1 There will be two Italian bnI- ] looms to enter the race Saturday; The Audens, in command of Major ValIe. assisted by Major Leone, and the TriOnfale, commanded by 1 Mnjor Medori, with Lieut.. Pirnz- l zoIi Anselmo as second pilot. All four of these men were officers in the Italian air service for four years of the war. They were all l in the major engagements in which i the Italian forces were involved.
 The most distinguished member of the Italian party is Maj. Giuseppe Falle, who has won a large number of honors of the air both in war aud peace contests. He obtained his com mission with the Italian government iE 1911 and, according to the press of his country distinguished himself shortly afterwards for his ability and lcourage.
 1 GORDON BENNETT CONTEST
 He made many trips in various kinds of weather In 1913, he was chosen for the Gordon Bennett contest at ! Paris, at which time he distinguished himself. He set a record by staying up iE the air for' thirty three hours. The following year he was made pilot cf a dirigible balloon.
 Major Valle was among the first to reach the front after his country de- clared war. On May 26, 1915, he took part in an engagement at Pola- He piloted the P-4, dirigible balloon loaded with bombs and other high ex- plosives. Here, he is said to have de- fled death and saved the day by his gallant work. For this he was award ed the Cross of Savoy. He also piloted the V-2, Ms M10, M-14, F-5 and M-19 | flying over the enemys war camp ana dropping explosives on trains and rail- roads. For his bravery and excellent work he was awaSsed two silver me dals. French and a Belgium cross His home papers state that he tough; like one who loved it and only qui, when there was no more fighting to be had.
 In spite of his record for destruction of the property of his enemy Major Valle is not a man of violent appear ance. He is very quiet and his man ners are that of a polished gentleman
 A reception will be rendered tonight I four contestants.
 ITALIAN DAY
 Today will be observed as Italian day by the Italian socities of the Birming ham district. r. J. Serio has been ap pointed chairman of the entertainment committee.
 Luncheon will be served at F noon Al automobile ride over the city will be givel the guests of honor at 3 o'clock. A ban quet will be served at the Tutwiler d 90 o'clock.
 While the banquet will be served il honor of the Italian officers, the othe contestants of the race will be invited to be present. Other guests will be c. E Jones, Ellis Brown, MT. Estes Donald Drennen, w. U. Robertson Ted Brow inell Frank Butler. L. l.. Newman James B. Abbott, John Fl. Taylor, San Bowman. o. L. Bum. M. R. Worthing ton, P. A. smith. Virgil Evans, Lleuren ant Turnbull, Captain Weeks and Alal R. Howley Special music will be fea ture
 While the reception given the Italian balloonists was exceptionally warm l : would have beeen even more elaborat had they not been given such shor notice about it. The open manner Il which they were received will doubt less finger with the balloonist long afte they return to their distant homes. The Italian societies are to be praised for the admirable manner In which the, carried off the day, The hospitality whicl , they are showing their fellow country men will be a splendid advertisement fo l Birmingham Their willingness to co operate in all matters pertaining t patriotic and civic welfare is well know } by those who labor in this field.