Ernesto Cabruna

Capitano Ernesto Cabruna (1889–1960) was a professional soldier who became a World War I flying ace credited with eight aerial victories.

After service in Libya and Rhodes, he received a Bronze Medal for Military Valor a year after Italy's involvement in World War I began.

In 1918, Cabruna twice singlehandedly attacked swarms of enemy aircraft, winning victories both times.

Cabruna remained in military service postwar, serving as Aide de Camp to the Aviation Chief of Staff.

Young Cabruna attended technical school until, on 18 October 1907, he joined the Carabinieri Reali, Italy's version of military police.

[1] Their squadron symbol was a red heart on a while circle; aft of this, Cabruna appended the coat of arms of his native city of Tortona.

This daring feat was featured on the cover of a leading Italian magazine, Domenica del Corriere; the illustration was by Achille Beltrame.

Although existing Austro-Hungarian aviation loss files fail to support it, Cabruna was credited with the victory.

On 15 June 1918, the swarm of enemy planes numbered 30, but Cabruna again plunged into solo combat and downed his fifth victim to become an ace.

[2] He was sidelined two days, then returned to flight duty for Italy's final offensive, the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.

He claimed to have shot down two enemy aircraft on 25 October for his final aerial victories.

[1] The Bongiovanni commission report of 1 February 1919 confirmed eight of the nine victories that had been symbolized on Cabruna's Spad VII.

During World War II, British military intelligence listed him as a member of the "Free Italy" organization, with the cover name of "X-19".

Cabruna's original Spad VII fighter is now displayed in the Italian Air Force Museum.