Douglas daily dispatch., 1927-05-14

lis son, Giovanni, in turn being
which resisted Napoleon. Giovanni
was condemned to death by Ferdin
and OF Bourbon for participating in
the Neopolltan instructions OF 1870
and 1921, but afterwards pardoned.
Gabriel, his son, also accepted the
rank Of major OF cavalry under
Bourbons, entering the Italian army
after the Neapolitan kingdom be-
came part of Victor Emmanucls
united Italian nation
While breaking with family tradl-
ton by announcing at an early age
@ distinct preference for a naval
career, Francesca showed his heri-
tage by staying up nights and read
ing all adventure stories lie could
obtain, such as Salgari's tales, ac-
counts of the explorations OF F'rithjof
Nansen, the Duke Of the Abruzzl
Robinson Crusoe and others.
At the same time he was fond OF
ell nautical sports, and eXcelled his
playmates at rowing and swimming
These activities did not prevent
Franz from being graduated wlth
high honors in classical studies frS.n
his secondary school, and from be-
coming accomplished as an amateur
painter, particularly at portraits
This talent, it is said, remained un-
known to his family until Franz cop
led with skill picture OF his grand
father Gabriel, which has father was
forced reluctantly for personal rea-
SONS to turn over to another member
Of his family.
Young lie Pinedo also distinguished
himself at wood carving. One day
at school he carved On his desk so
good a likeness of Signor Amturi,
his teacher of philosophy, that the
latter instead of reprimanding him.
called his fellow professors to ad-
mire his pupils work
De Pinedo's mother Signora Llvia
de Rada de Pinedo, who also is OF
Spanish origin, was born in Sicily
but has lived most OF her life in
Tuscany and Naples. Franz is very
devoted to her; her frequently writes
to her and never forgets her birth
day.
So great is the respect for mill
tary traditions in the PlnedO family
that Franz kept secret his decision
to transfer from the navy to
aeronautics, only making lis an
nouncement to that effect after he
had obtained his commission as q
pilot, which he did after As days
work in special course OF lnstruc-
ton at laramie.
Francesca de Pinedo was born in
Naples on February Is, 1890, and
entered the naval academy when he
was 13. He was cadet for three
wears and then Tor six years had a
distinguished record as naval Of
ficer in the war against Turkey for
the conquest of Tripoli ano in the
World war, when he took a promin-
ent part in the rescue of the Ser
bian army and its transport from
| tho AustrianS.
Entering the royal military av1a4
ton corps in July, 1917, ne became
a pilot within two months. His first
important exploits were the flights
from Sesto Calende, near Milan, to
Rotterdam, and the return to Rome
and from Drindisi to ConstanJlnople
These took minor rank, however,
when in 1925 he 1ewo from Sesto
Calende to Melbourne, Tokyo and
Rome, covering 34,375 miles in 37o
hours of actual flying time.
/ King Victor rewarded him alter
the last flight with the Knighthood
of the Military Order Of Savoy, the
highest peace time military decora-
E! ton. De Pinedo also has numerous
ether decorations. among which he
prizes most highly five medals "Tol
valor' conferred upon him in the
wars against Turkey and Austria
and three Croix de Guerre (military
crosses), the Italian, French ana
! English.