Adolph P. Aguirre

.Welcome Home Sergeant Aguirre!

Sgt. Adolph “Chico” Aguirre was a U.S. Army Air Force Assistant Radio Operator/Gunner with the 67th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), Eighth Air Force. He was born in Visalia, California, and served with distinction, earning the Purple Heart and Air Medal
RIP, Oct 29, 1921 - Aug 16, 1943

  Sergeant Adolph Aguirre had been missing for more than 80 years. He served during World War II as a Radio Operator and Gunner in a B24 Liberator Heavy Bombardment Squadron. On August 16, 1943, his plane was shot down over Foggia, Italy, after returning from a mission. That was the last known information regarding him and his crew. Adolph Aguirre was also a resident of Exeter. He was known to his friends as Pancho and affectionately referred to as "Chicho" by his family. He graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1941 and enlisted in World War II in 1942 to serve his country. His remains have recently been identified and will be returned to Exeter to be laid to rest beside his parents.

Viewing: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building. September 17, 2026. Starting at 5:00 PM

Funeral Service: Exeter District Cemetery. September 18, 2026. Staring at 10:00 AM

Memorial Reception: Immediately following the burial. The public is encouraged to attend these services.

The Final Flight Home
Adolph’s P. Aguirre (Chicho) Journey Back to His Mother.

1921

▪  Oct. 29, Adolph P. Aguirre was born in Visalia CA to Maria Pimentel and Margarito Aguirre 1938

▪  Freshmen year at Exeter Union High School. Boys Block E, Glee Club, Basketball, Baseball, Football. 1939

▪  Sophomore year at Exeter Union High School. Student Body Sergeant at Arms, Boys Block E, Glee Club, Basketball, Baseball, Football. 1940

▪  Junior year at Exeter Union High School. Boys Block E, Basketball, Baseball, Football. 1941

▪  Senior year at Exeter Union High School. Most Valuable Man Football, Baseball Captain playing 3r d 1942

▪  May, Started trade school at Visalia Dinuba School of Aeronautics.

▪  Aug. 5, Joined The Army Air Forces to fight in WWII (Chicho was 20 years and 9 months old)

1943

base, Student Body Sergeant at Arms, Boys Block E, Basketball starting guard.

▪  Mar. 15, Attended Military School for Aeriel Gunner (Flex)

▪  Mar. 23, Attended Military School for Radio Operator

▪  Aug.16, The mission was Foggia Italy Northern Satellite Airfield. The B24 (Suzy Q) was shot down over the town of Lacedonia Italy. Towns people buried the remains of

▪  American airmen at the local cemetery as unknowns.

▪  Mom and Dad received a telegram notifying them that Chico was MIA.

1945

▪  The American Graves Registration Command (AGRC) finally was able to go into Lacedonia Italy, remains were moved to an American military cemetery in Naples Italy.

2006

▪  December, Juan Aguirre, Chicho’s first cousin started the quest to learn more about Chicho and his life before and during his military service. 2007

▪  Apr. 17, Juan’s father Manuel Aguirre who was responsible for maintain Chicho’s memories alive passed.

▪  Nov. 12, For the first time, our family shared his story during a Veterans Day event at one of the local post events in Lodi CA.

2009

▪  Oct. 1, Chicho’s military picture sporting his Airmen attire was uploaded @ Find a Grave Website and this unclaimed American soldier was finally matched to a physical picture. 2013

▪  Oct. 28, Chicho’s military records were requested/received. 2019

▪  Dept. of the US Army reopened the case regarding the remains that had been relocated from Lacedonia to Naples Italy. 2021

▪  May 20, U.S. Army HR Command, Fort Knox KY request DNA Swab samples from Juan Aguirre. 2022

▪  Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed the remains from the cemetery in Naples Italy and brought them to their laboratory in Omaha Nebraska to be analyzed. 2025

▪  Feb. 22, Juan and family attended a meeting with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in Sacramento, CA. His son Julian provided another DNA swab for a more accurate reading. We only knew that there was a very small chance with so many remains being analyzed. Also, all his awards were approved for release to our family.

2026

▪  May 29, The remains were officially approved to be shared with the family. Chicho had been identified.

▪  Jun. 16, The family received the great news. Chicho was coming home.

▪  Sep. 18, Chicho will be laid to rest next to his parents and finally reunited with his Mom.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Adolph P. Aguirre, please visit our floral store.