He served with the 12th Air Force, 3rd Air Service Area Command, and was the co-pilot of C-47 #41-7811. They were flying cargo and passengers from Maison Blanche Algeria to Oran Algeria when, about fifteen minutes after takeoff, and about fifteen miles out over the Mediterranean Sea, the right engine caught fire. A bailout order was given, but the plane lost altitude too rapidly for anyone to use their parachutes. The plane ditched in the water and the nine aboard made it out, but it had all happened so quickly that they were still attempting to put on their life vests. When rescue boats finally made it to the area, only three passengers were located and saved, however one died on the way to the hospital.
Because his body was not recovered, Lagio's name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.
He served with the 12th Air Force, 3rd Air Service Area Command, and was the co-pilot of C-47 #41-7811. They were flying cargo and passengers from Maison Blanche Algeria to Oran Algeria when, about fifteen minutes after takeoff, and about fifteen miles out over the Mediterranean Sea, the right engine caught fire. A bailout order was given, but the plane lost altitude too rapidly for anyone to use their parachutes. The plane ditched in the water and the nine aboard made it out, but it had all happened so quickly that they were still attempting to put on their life vests. When rescue boats finally made it to the area, only three passengers were located and saved, however one died on the way to the hospital.
Because his body was not recovered, Lagio's name is inscribed on the Wall of the Missing.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Illinois.
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