Times Herald (Olean, New York) Saturday July 28, 1945
Nineteen Persons Die As Bomber, Lost In Fog, Crashes Empire State Building
New York - A B-25 bomber crashed and exploded in the 78th floor of the Empire State Building today the upper part of the tallest building in the world instantly became a blazing inferno for hundreds of office workers perched 1000 feet above the street.
The plane was lost in a fog when it struck. It broke into a giant spectacular burst flame. The explosion rocked midtown Manhattan.
Two hours later police reported at least nineteen dead. Flames raged out of control in six floors of the building for forty minutes. Three elevators crashed from the 50th floor to the ground. Glass and debris rained into the street.
The plane struck the north side of the building, penetrated a wing of the floor, destroyed everything in its path and went out the south wing of the building. Part of it landed on the roof of the twelve-story Waldorf building on Thirty-Third Street.
Six of the dead were reported to be soldiers some of them presumably members of the plane's crew of five.
DISASTER PREVENTED
Only the fact that it was Saturday morning, when many offices are closed, prevented a far greater disaster. The 78th floor was unoccupied, on the 79th floor, occupied by offices of the War Relief Services of the National Council Welfare Council, several persons were killed. Nine bodies were reported found on the 79th floor. Three bodies were taken from two of the fallen elevators. The third was empty.
****************************************************
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
July 30, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Gob's Death in Empire Tragedy Stuns Family
Victim Was Hurrying To Solace Mother Over Navy Brother's Death
The family of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna, a Brooklyn sailor, was stunned today by the twist of fate that sent their second son to his death when the B-25 bomber rammed the Empire State Building.
The irony was sharpened by the fact that the lad was speeding home unexpectedly in the plane to comfort his mother on the loss of another son, Anthony, a carpenter second class, whose death in action was revealed only recently.
Albert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna of 5611 17th Ave. He was stationed at the Squantum navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home, earlier then expeted, for the weekend. He usually came by car on previous passes.
His family, which includes a sister, Teresa, never dreamed that the unidentified sailor in Saturday's crash in the fog was Albert. Saturday night, however, the telegram from the navy broke the news to them.
The lad's father repeated over and over today: "My life is over without my two boys. Now I have nothing left to give my country."
________________________
The Modesto Bee And News-Herald
July 30, 1945
Modesto, California
...Meanwhile, the body of Albert G. Perna, of Brooklyn, aviation machinist's mate second class, was found at the foot of an elevator shaft, where it had been blown at the time of the crash. Perna, a passenger in the plane, already had been listed as dead by the navy.
...The three men were Lieutenant Colonel William F. Ssmith, Jr. 27, Watertown, Mass., the B25 Pilot; Technican Sergeant Christopher S. Domilrovich, 31, Granite City, Ill., plane engineer, and Aviation Machinist. Male Albert G. Perna, 19, Brooklyn, who had hitched a ride on the plane.
___________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 2, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Rites Conducted For Albert Perna
The funeral of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave, Borough Park, killed in the plane crash at the Empire State Building Saturday, was held today from the Moscarelli Funeral Home, 1260 60th St. A solemn mass of requiem followed at St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 13th Ave, and 57th St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.
Albert was a passenger on the illfated B-25 bomber which rammed the world's tallest building. He was stationed at the Squanton navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home for the weekend. Only recently his parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna, were notified of the loss of another son. Anthony, also in the armed forces, who was killed in action.
Besides his parents the young sailor is survived by two sisters, Jean and Tessie Perna.
______________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 3, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Perna Rites Held
Funeral services were held yesterday for Aviation Machinist's Mate 2d Class Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave., in St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 57th St. and 13th Ave. The solemn requiem mass was attended by more than 700 persons and a navy guard of honor. The 20-year-old sailor was homeward bound on the bomber to comfot his parents following the death of their other navy son in action off Okinawa. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village.
Six crash casualties are still in Bellevue and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Manhattan, three on the critical list.
_____________________
1930 Census Brooklyn New York
Vicent Perne born 1894 in Italy (father)
Rose Perne born 1897 in Italy (mother)
Jennie Perne born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perne born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perne born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perne born 1926 in NY
_______________________
1940 Census Brooklyn New York
Vincent Perna born 1896 in Italy (father)
Rose Perna born 1899 in Italy (mother)
Gerana Perna born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perna born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perna born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perna born 1926 in NY
Nineteen Persons Die As Bomber, Lost In Fog, Crashes Empire State Building
New York - A B-25 bomber crashed and exploded in the 78th floor of the Empire State Building today the upper part of the tallest building in the world instantly became a blazing inferno for hundreds of office workers perched 1000 feet above the street.
The plane was lost in a fog when it struck. It broke into a giant spectacular burst flame. The explosion rocked midtown Manhattan.
Two hours later police reported at least nineteen dead. Flames raged out of control in six floors of the building for forty minutes. Three elevators crashed from the 50th floor to the ground. Glass and debris rained into the street.
The plane struck the north side of the building, penetrated a wing of the floor, destroyed everything in its path and went out the south wing of the building. Part of it landed on the roof of the twelve-story Waldorf building on Thirty-Third Street.
Six of the dead were reported to be soldiers some of them presumably members of the plane's crew of five.
DISASTER PREVENTED
Only the fact that it was Saturday morning, when many offices are closed, prevented a far greater disaster. The 78th floor was unoccupied, on the 79th floor, occupied by offices of the War Relief Services of the National Council Welfare Council, several persons were killed. Nine bodies were reported found on the 79th floor. Three bodies were taken from two of the fallen elevators. The third was empty.
****************************************************
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
July 30, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Gob's Death in Empire Tragedy Stuns Family
Victim Was Hurrying To Solace Mother Over Navy Brother's Death
The family of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna, a Brooklyn sailor, was stunned today by the twist of fate that sent their second son to his death when the B-25 bomber rammed the Empire State Building.
The irony was sharpened by the fact that the lad was speeding home unexpectedly in the plane to comfort his mother on the loss of another son, Anthony, a carpenter second class, whose death in action was revealed only recently.
Albert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna of 5611 17th Ave. He was stationed at the Squantum navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home, earlier then expeted, for the weekend. He usually came by car on previous passes.
His family, which includes a sister, Teresa, never dreamed that the unidentified sailor in Saturday's crash in the fog was Albert. Saturday night, however, the telegram from the navy broke the news to them.
The lad's father repeated over and over today: "My life is over without my two boys. Now I have nothing left to give my country."
________________________
The Modesto Bee And News-Herald
July 30, 1945
Modesto, California
...Meanwhile, the body of Albert G. Perna, of Brooklyn, aviation machinist's mate second class, was found at the foot of an elevator shaft, where it had been blown at the time of the crash. Perna, a passenger in the plane, already had been listed as dead by the navy.
...The three men were Lieutenant Colonel William F. Ssmith, Jr. 27, Watertown, Mass., the B25 Pilot; Technican Sergeant Christopher S. Domilrovich, 31, Granite City, Ill., plane engineer, and Aviation Machinist. Male Albert G. Perna, 19, Brooklyn, who had hitched a ride on the plane.
___________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 2, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Rites Conducted For Albert Perna
The funeral of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave, Borough Park, killed in the plane crash at the Empire State Building Saturday, was held today from the Moscarelli Funeral Home, 1260 60th St. A solemn mass of requiem followed at St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 13th Ave, and 57th St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.
Albert was a passenger on the illfated B-25 bomber which rammed the world's tallest building. He was stationed at the Squanton navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home for the weekend. Only recently his parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna, were notified of the loss of another son. Anthony, also in the armed forces, who was killed in action.
Besides his parents the young sailor is survived by two sisters, Jean and Tessie Perna.
______________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 3, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Perna Rites Held
Funeral services were held yesterday for Aviation Machinist's Mate 2d Class Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave., in St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 57th St. and 13th Ave. The solemn requiem mass was attended by more than 700 persons and a navy guard of honor. The 20-year-old sailor was homeward bound on the bomber to comfot his parents following the death of their other navy son in action off Okinawa. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village.
Six crash casualties are still in Bellevue and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Manhattan, three on the critical list.
_____________________
1930 Census Brooklyn New York
Vicent Perne born 1894 in Italy (father)
Rose Perne born 1897 in Italy (mother)
Jennie Perne born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perne born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perne born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perne born 1926 in NY
_______________________
1940 Census Brooklyn New York
Vincent Perna born 1896 in Italy (father)
Rose Perna born 1899 in Italy (mother)
Gerana Perna born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perna born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perna born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perna born 1926 in NY
Times Herald (Olean, New York) Saturday July 28, 1945
Nineteen Persons Die As Bomber, Lost In Fog, Crashes Empire State Building
New York - A B-25 bomber crashed and exploded in the 78th floor of the Empire State Building today the upper part of the tallest building in the world instantly became a blazing inferno for hundreds of office workers perched 1000 feet above the street.
The plane was lost in a fog when it struck. It broke into a giant spectacular burst flame. The explosion rocked midtown Manhattan.
Two hours later police reported at least nineteen dead. Flames raged out of control in six floors of the building for forty minutes. Three elevators crashed from the 50th floor to the ground. Glass and debris rained into the street.
The plane struck the north side of the building, penetrated a wing of the floor, destroyed everything in its path and went out the south wing of the building. Part of it landed on the roof of the twelve-story Waldorf building on Thirty-Third Street.
Six of the dead were reported to be soldiers some of them presumably members of the plane's crew of five.
DISASTER PREVENTED
Only the fact that it was Saturday morning, when many offices are closed, prevented a far greater disaster. The 78th floor was unoccupied, on the 79th floor, occupied by offices of the War Relief Services of the National Council Welfare Council, several persons were killed. Nine bodies were reported found on the 79th floor. Three bodies were taken from two of the fallen elevators. The third was empty.
****************************************************
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
July 30, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Gob's Death in Empire Tragedy Stuns Family
Victim Was Hurrying To Solace Mother Over Navy Brother's Death
The family of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna, a Brooklyn sailor, was stunned today by the twist of fate that sent their second son to his death when the B-25 bomber rammed the Empire State Building.
The irony was sharpened by the fact that the lad was speeding home unexpectedly in the plane to comfort his mother on the loss of another son, Anthony, a carpenter second class, whose death in action was revealed only recently.
Albert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna of 5611 17th Ave. He was stationed at the Squantum navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home, earlier then expeted, for the weekend. He usually came by car on previous passes.
His family, which includes a sister, Teresa, never dreamed that the unidentified sailor in Saturday's crash in the fog was Albert. Saturday night, however, the telegram from the navy broke the news to them.
The lad's father repeated over and over today: "My life is over without my two boys. Now I have nothing left to give my country."
________________________
The Modesto Bee And News-Herald
July 30, 1945
Modesto, California
...Meanwhile, the body of Albert G. Perna, of Brooklyn, aviation machinist's mate second class, was found at the foot of an elevator shaft, where it had been blown at the time of the crash. Perna, a passenger in the plane, already had been listed as dead by the navy.
...The three men were Lieutenant Colonel William F. Ssmith, Jr. 27, Watertown, Mass., the B25 Pilot; Technican Sergeant Christopher S. Domilrovich, 31, Granite City, Ill., plane engineer, and Aviation Machinist. Male Albert G. Perna, 19, Brooklyn, who had hitched a ride on the plane.
___________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 2, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Rites Conducted For Albert Perna
The funeral of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave, Borough Park, killed in the plane crash at the Empire State Building Saturday, was held today from the Moscarelli Funeral Home, 1260 60th St. A solemn mass of requiem followed at St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 13th Ave, and 57th St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.
Albert was a passenger on the illfated B-25 bomber which rammed the world's tallest building. He was stationed at the Squanton navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home for the weekend. Only recently his parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna, were notified of the loss of another son. Anthony, also in the armed forces, who was killed in action.
Besides his parents the young sailor is survived by two sisters, Jean and Tessie Perna.
______________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 3, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Perna Rites Held
Funeral services were held yesterday for Aviation Machinist's Mate 2d Class Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave., in St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 57th St. and 13th Ave. The solemn requiem mass was attended by more than 700 persons and a navy guard of honor. The 20-year-old sailor was homeward bound on the bomber to comfot his parents following the death of their other navy son in action off Okinawa. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village.
Six crash casualties are still in Bellevue and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Manhattan, three on the critical list.
_____________________
1930 Census Brooklyn New York
Vicent Perne born 1894 in Italy (father)
Rose Perne born 1897 in Italy (mother)
Jennie Perne born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perne born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perne born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perne born 1926 in NY
_______________________
1940 Census Brooklyn New York
Vincent Perna born 1896 in Italy (father)
Rose Perna born 1899 in Italy (mother)
Gerana Perna born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perna born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perna born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perna born 1926 in NY
Nineteen Persons Die As Bomber, Lost In Fog, Crashes Empire State Building
New York - A B-25 bomber crashed and exploded in the 78th floor of the Empire State Building today the upper part of the tallest building in the world instantly became a blazing inferno for hundreds of office workers perched 1000 feet above the street.
The plane was lost in a fog when it struck. It broke into a giant spectacular burst flame. The explosion rocked midtown Manhattan.
Two hours later police reported at least nineteen dead. Flames raged out of control in six floors of the building for forty minutes. Three elevators crashed from the 50th floor to the ground. Glass and debris rained into the street.
The plane struck the north side of the building, penetrated a wing of the floor, destroyed everything in its path and went out the south wing of the building. Part of it landed on the roof of the twelve-story Waldorf building on Thirty-Third Street.
Six of the dead were reported to be soldiers some of them presumably members of the plane's crew of five.
DISASTER PREVENTED
Only the fact that it was Saturday morning, when many offices are closed, prevented a far greater disaster. The 78th floor was unoccupied, on the 79th floor, occupied by offices of the War Relief Services of the National Council Welfare Council, several persons were killed. Nine bodies were reported found on the 79th floor. Three bodies were taken from two of the fallen elevators. The third was empty.
****************************************************
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
July 30, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Gob's Death in Empire Tragedy Stuns Family
Victim Was Hurrying To Solace Mother Over Navy Brother's Death
The family of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna, a Brooklyn sailor, was stunned today by the twist of fate that sent their second son to his death when the B-25 bomber rammed the Empire State Building.
The irony was sharpened by the fact that the lad was speeding home unexpectedly in the plane to comfort his mother on the loss of another son, Anthony, a carpenter second class, whose death in action was revealed only recently.
Albert was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna of 5611 17th Ave. He was stationed at the Squantum navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home, earlier then expeted, for the weekend. He usually came by car on previous passes.
His family, which includes a sister, Teresa, never dreamed that the unidentified sailor in Saturday's crash in the fog was Albert. Saturday night, however, the telegram from the navy broke the news to them.
The lad's father repeated over and over today: "My life is over without my two boys. Now I have nothing left to give my country."
________________________
The Modesto Bee And News-Herald
July 30, 1945
Modesto, California
...Meanwhile, the body of Albert G. Perna, of Brooklyn, aviation machinist's mate second class, was found at the foot of an elevator shaft, where it had been blown at the time of the crash. Perna, a passenger in the plane, already had been listed as dead by the navy.
...The three men were Lieutenant Colonel William F. Ssmith, Jr. 27, Watertown, Mass., the B25 Pilot; Technican Sergeant Christopher S. Domilrovich, 31, Granite City, Ill., plane engineer, and Aviation Machinist. Male Albert G. Perna, 19, Brooklyn, who had hitched a ride on the plane.
___________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 2, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Rites Conducted For Albert Perna
The funeral of Aviation Machinist's Mate Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave, Borough Park, killed in the plane crash at the Empire State Building Saturday, was held today from the Moscarelli Funeral Home, 1260 60th St. A solemn mass of requiem followed at St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 13th Ave, and 57th St. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery.
Albert was a passenger on the illfated B-25 bomber which rammed the world's tallest building. He was stationed at the Squanton navy base at Bedford, Mass., when he got time off to come home for the weekend. Only recently his parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Perna, were notified of the loss of another son. Anthony, also in the armed forces, who was killed in action.
Besides his parents the young sailor is survived by two sisters, Jean and Tessie Perna.
______________________
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
August 3, 1945
Brooklyn, New York
Perna Rites Held
Funeral services were held yesterday for Aviation Machinist's Mate 2d Class Albert G. Perna of 5611 17th Ave., in St. Frances de Chantal R. C. Church, 57th St. and 13th Ave. The solemn requiem mass was attended by more than 700 persons and a navy guard of honor. The 20-year-old sailor was homeward bound on the bomber to comfot his parents following the death of their other navy son in action off Okinawa. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village.
Six crash casualties are still in Bellevue and St. Vincent's Hospitals, Manhattan, three on the critical list.
_____________________
1930 Census Brooklyn New York
Vicent Perne born 1894 in Italy (father)
Rose Perne born 1897 in Italy (mother)
Jennie Perne born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perne born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perne born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perne born 1926 in NY
_______________________
1940 Census Brooklyn New York
Vincent Perna born 1896 in Italy (father)
Rose Perna born 1899 in Italy (mother)
Gerana Perna born 1921 in NY (sister)
Anthony Perna born 1923 in NY (brother)
Theresa Perna born 1925 in NY (sister)
Albert Perna born 1926 in NY
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