Rome in Oneida County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Brothers-in-law in War and Peace
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 13, 2023
1. Brothers-in-law in War and Peace Marker
Joseph R. "Papa Joe" Fusco Sr.
Jan. 14th 1930-May 4th 2012
1947: Entered military service, stationed in Trieste, Italy serving with the U.S. Army of occupation in Europe.
1951: Honorably discharged.
1956: Began refueling aircraft on the flight line here at GAFB, as he would say "when they still had propellers."
Serviced all types of aircraft to include the B-52 in the foreground to the clandestine operations of the SR-71 Blackbird.
Received numerous citations throughout his career, including S.A.C. Civilian of the Year award.
1991: Retired after 35 years of service to the U.S.A.F. as operations foreman of the entire fuels branch (P.O.L.)
Lifetime member of the Rome VFW Post 2246.
When confronted by a problem, Joe would simply say, "We'll figure it out, we always do."
John "Jack" F.P. Etherington
Sept. 8th 1918-July 27th 2009
1941: Joined Royal Canadian Air Force
1942: Transferred to U.S. Army Air Corps 41st Bomb Group, 47th Bomb Squadron
Served in the pacific theater during WWII flying 50 missions in a Mitchell B-25 named "Flak Happy"
Received: Distinguished Flying Cross w/1 oak leaf cluster, Air Medal w/5 Oak Leaf Cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ Bronze
this page online
1947: Returned to US, earned degree in engineering from Syracuse University.
1949: Joined 138th fighter squadron of the 174th Tactical fighter group, "Boys from Syracuse."
Retired Sept. 8th 1978 as Wing Commander w/over 4500 Hrs. flying time. Attained rank of NY Ang Lt. Col
"Flying for me is a beloved hobby, an occupation, and a patriotic duty."
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Education. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 2012.
Location. 43° 13.589′ N, 75° 25.581′ W. Marker is in Rome, New York, in Oneida County. It is at the intersection of Perimeter Road and Mohawk Drive, on the right when traveling north on Perimeter Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 91 Perimeter Rd, Rome NY 13440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Mohawk Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Townsend E. Griffiss (here, next to this marker); The ALCM (a few steps from this marker); Mohawk Valley (a few steps from this marker); Alley Oop (approx. 0.9 miles away); During the siege of Fort Stanwix Aug. 1777 (approx. 1.3 miles away); Jervis Public Library
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 13, 2023
2. Brothers-in-law in War and Peace Marker
Marker is under the flag pole
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
