Un sargento piloto de Argentina: Francesco Tola de Silanus

Abstract

Francesco Tola born in Silanus September 11, 1893. At 17, he moved to Argentina with his brother Silvio settling in Buenos Aires, here he worked as a turner. In 1915, Italy entered the war, he returned to his country and enlisted as a volunteer. He attended the Military Flight School of Mirafiori earning his pilot's license. In July 1916 with the rank Sergeant pilot was assigned to the 71st Fighter Squadron. In August 1917 he obtained his first victory earning a Silver Medal. At the end of October 1917, following the breakthrough at Caporetto, he participates in protection missions of retreating Italian troops. On January 10, 1918 he was awarded a second Silver Medal. He leaves the air force in 1919 and enlistes in the Carabinieri. The Silanus aviators relatives still live in Argentina. The El Calafate International Airport is named after Commander Armando Tola while the soprano Virginia Tola onors the Argentine song tradition.