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James P. Dibble: The Monument in Padula, Italy

Title: James P. Dibble: The Monument in Padula, Italy
Description: The citizens of Padula, Italy, were extremely friendly and helpful during Jim & Ted Dibble's search for answers to their uncle's death.

As everyone learned more about James and what happened, they viewed James as a hero and wanted to honor him. In May 2005 they erected a monument to his memory and sacrifice in helping them win freedom during WWII.

See photos from the dedication ceremony, including the monument itself, along with transcriptions of the speeches given.

Jump to other sections of the collection:
James P. Dibble: World War II P-38 Fighter Pilot
His Early Life

High School into the Army Air Corps

Flight Training
We Got Married!

Combat!
Mission Reports

Letters Home

Flying with Eisenhower

The Day of Armageddon - August 30, 1943

Killed in Action

The Search for Answers
The Monument in Padula, Italy

Collection Items

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Preparing James Dibble's Monument

Preparing James Dibble's Monument just prior to its dedication.
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The plaque is installed on James Dibble's Monument

The plaque is installed on James Dibble's Monument just prior to the dedication ceremony.
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James Dibble's Monument in Padula, Italy

James Dibble's Monument in Padula, Italy.
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The plaque on James Dibble's Monument

The plaque on James Dibble's Monument.
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Jim Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton dedication presentation

James Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton dedication presentation.
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Jack Hanton talking about flying through the Padula Valley back in 1943

Jack Hanton talking about flying through the Padula Valley back in 1943.
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James Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton and Padula citizens

James Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton (2nd from left) and Padula citizens. Jack flew with James on the mission when James was shot down and killed on September 9, 1943.
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The Dibble brothers with war widows in white and other Padula citizens

The Dibble brothers with war widows in white and other Padula citizens. War widows of Freedom Fighters wore white T-shirts to the monument dedication ceremony. Back row from left are Tom, Jim and Ted Dibble.
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Jim Dibble with Padula citizens at his uncle's monument dedication ceremony

Jim Dibble with Padula citizens at his uncle's monument dedication ceremony.
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U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael Dredla from Aviano Air base speaking at James Dibble's monument dedication ceremony

U.S. Air Force Colonel Michael Dredla from Aviano Air base speaking at James Dibble's monument dedication ceremony.
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Speech by Jim Dibble, James Dibble's nephew, at the monument dedication

Speech by Jim Dibble, James Dibble's nephew, at the monument dedication.
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Speech by Bill Dibble, James Dibble's brother, at the monument dedication

Speech by Bill Dibble, James Dibble's brother, at the monument dedication.
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Speech by Col. John T. Hanton at Lt. James Dibble's monument dedication in Padula, Italy

Speech by Col. John T. Hanton at Lt. James Dibble's monument dedication in Padula, Italy.
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Letter from Brigadier General Michael E. Ryan to Jim Dibble regarding James Dibble's monument dedication ceremony

Letter from Brigadier General Michael E. Ryan to Jim Dibble regarding James Dibble's monument dedication ceremony.

View all 14 items

Collection Tree

James P. Dibble: World War II P-38 Fighter Pilot
- James P. Dibble: The Search for Answers
  - James P. Dibble: The Monument in Padula, Italy

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