On what would have been his 104th birthday Friday, The Wilmington VA recognized First Lieutenant Ray Firmani on its Wall of Honor.

Firmani served during World War Two as a B-17 pilot, completing 25 bombing missions and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. The wall at the VA on Kirkwood Highway pays tribute to veterans posthumously, who made significant contributions by serving in the military and - or in their communities and if they were enrolled in VA healthcare or would have been eligible.

Firmani was a resident of Elsmere and became well-known at the Wilmington VA for "his stories and enthusiasm." A book was written about his service and his life in 2018, " Against All Odds: The Ray Firmani Story ."

Ray Firmani was 103 when he died in July.

Friday, Firmani's niece, Elsmere May

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