Joe Berardino

Joseph J. Berardino served a long and distinguished military career. He enlisted in the US Air Force at 17 years of age and was assigned as a weapons mechanic. He volunteered to become an Aerial Gunner on Puff The Magic Dragon aircraft. He flew 120 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals and numerous other decorations.

He was awarded an academic scholarship to Michigan State University and graduated Cum Laude in Packaging Engineering. Commissioned a second Lieutenant he served with distinction for a full 34 years retiring at the rank of FULL COLONEL. His finest assignments were three commands in Guam, England and Germany and five years in the Pentagon with both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Air Staff,

He retired to Florida and writes books. His first book is Death In the Midnight Sky about his experiences in the gunship. His mentor inspired him to go further with his education but unfortunately died in a horrendous shoot-down that Joe witnessed.

He lives in West Palm Beach with his wife and write daily.