2LT Thomas Edison “Pancho” Gomez was born on June 20, 1924 in Port Arthur, Texas. He served as a P-47 pilot in the 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, 12th Air Force in Italy during World War II. He was killed while flying a mission on February 2, 1945 over Italy. He is buried in the Florence American Cemetery in Italy. Here are the particulars of his final mission: On February 2, 1945, 2LT Thomas Edison. “Pancho” Gomez of the 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, flying his P-47 Thunderbolt (Serial # 42-75879) was part of a “dawn patrol” protecting the airfield at Pisa –San Giusto. During a period of inclement weather, Gomez and his wingman LT Morrow (flying P-47 Serial #42-25447 “Optimal Sue” ) collided in mid-air. 2LT Gomez’s plane crashed near Vinci and the 21 year-old resident of Port Arthur, Texas, was killed on impact. LT Morrow plane was lost but he was able to parachute to safety. On June 29, 2018, the city of Vinci placed a commemorative plaque on the wall of Villa Reghini to honor 2LT Gomez. The US Consul from Florence, the mayor of Vinci and family members of 2LT Gomez were in attendance Thanks to the help of Air Crash Po (Cermona, Italy) for assistance in identifying this crash site, researching the incident, and providing the memorial plaque.