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Bill Dibble, James' younger brother, at the crash site

Bill Dibble, James' younger brother, at the crash site.

The crash site in Padula, Italy.

The crash site in the Padula Valley with markers for plane parts

The crash site in the Padula Valley with markers for plane parts. Red flags show where parts are thought to be buried based on metal detector scans.

Photo of a boot heel found at the crash site

Photo of a boot heel, top side, found at the crash site. It is USA made and most likely belonged to James Dibble.

Photo of a boot heel found at the crash site

Photo of a boot heel, top side with ruler, found at the crash site. It is USA made and most likely belonged to James Dibble.

Photo of a boot heel found at the crash site

Photo of a boot heel, bottom, found at the crash site. It is USA made and most likely belonged to James Dibble.

James Dibble's posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross Ceremony

James Dibble's posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross Ceremony. His brother Bill (left) accepted on his behalf. Presenter and man on right are unknown.

Jim Dibble holding uncle James' posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross

Jim Dibble holding uncle James' posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross at the Dayton Airforce Museum.

Preparing James Dibble's Monument

Preparing James Dibble's Monument just prior to its dedication.

The plaque is installed on James Dibble's Monument

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

The plaque on James Dibble's Monument

The plaque on James Dibble's Monument.

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.

Jim Dibble with Padula citizens at his uncle's monument dedication ceremony

Jim Dibble with Padula citizens at his uncle's monument dedication ceremony.

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.

Jim Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton dedication presentation

James Dibble's tentmate Jack Hanton dedication presentation.

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.

Jack Hanton talking about flying through the Padula Valley back in 1943

Jack Hanton talking about flying through the Padula Valley back in 1943.

James Dibble's Monument in Padula, Italy

James Dibble's Monument in Padula, Italy.

Newspaper clipping of the Chico Flying School Review Parade, date unknown

Newspaper clipping showing flying school trainees in review before the base commander. James Dibble is somewhere in the upper picture. He included this to his parents with his letter from September 17, 1942.

Bill Dibble and classmates outside the Edger one room schoolhouse. He was in 7th Grade.

Bill Dibble (third from right, back row) and classmates outside the Edger one room schoolhouse. He was in 7th Grade.

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