Albert Eugene Piester

Those of us that are "baby boomers" were raised by Americans that are widely and rightly considered, the "Greatest Generation." Collectively they survived a horrible Depression, saved the World from fascism and ultimately improved social equality at home. We have lost a member in good standing of the "Greatest Generation". Eugene Piester was born in Corona on June 24, 1922. One of six children, he grew up on the family farm in Norco and graduated from Corona High School in 1940. When Pearl Harbor was bombed, he joined the "arsenal of democracy" as a welder in San Pedro, building cargo ships. As the War progressed, in November 1942, Eugene enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was transferred to several domestic bases to be trained as an airplane mechanic. He was among the first to gain expertise on the relatively new P-38 fighter. Finishing among the top of his classes, he was selected to serve as a member of a special ops mission to India. The Japanese had invaded Burma (now Myanmar, but still next to India); the British who were occupying that region for decades and at the time for the Allies, needed to cut off the Japanese supply lines and hinder the enemy advancement. Eugene Piester was far more than an airplane mechanic. His unit would set up clandestine airstrips in the jungle and sabotage important Japanese lines. There successes developed into their being dubbed "Air Commandos." For two years, this was the life of immense risk and daring lived by Eugene. Returning home after the War, he married Maxine and spent his life in Norco, in real estate and development, having a significant hand in building Corona. A few years ago, the Corona Chamber of Commerce celebrated an anniversary of VJ Day. I was so very lucky to sit next to the delightful Mr. Piester that day. His mind and wit were sharp and I will never forget that event. Without American heroes like Albert Eugene Piester, we would not live in the greatest country ever established in the history of the World. There are fewer of the Greatest Generation everyday. At this point, the few that are remaining, will take it, but do not need our praise. What they really need is to be remembered, that we ensure that the next generation and those beyond understand their sacrifice and tenacity in preserving this Republic. Eugene, his brothers, classmates and dozens of Coronans and Norconians were players in World War II. Thank God for each of them. Condolences to all of the Piester family. My personal sympathy to Eugene's grandniece, Pamela Browne, who notified me of his passing, her mother Helen, is the daughter of one of Eugene's sisters. God's Speed, Mr. Piester, Rest in Eternal Peace in His loving arms. Cemetery Crestlawn Memorial Park 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, California 92505 (951) 689-1441 | Thursday 4/16, 2:00 pm