“Surprised by the events of September 8, 1943 in German-occupied territory, and determined to place himself at the service of the his country, together with four other courageous men he managed to take possession of an enemy patrol boat, heading out from San Benedetto del Tronto at night and reaching the liberated territory of Manfredonia the following dawn. The crossing lasted 12 hours, putting their trust in fate because they had no seafaring experience, and were equipped with only a simple makeshift compass and a limited amount of fuel. The boat stolen from the Germans was then delivered to the Italian navy. – Adriatic Sea, September 8–9, 1943”
