[STARMAN 352ND]

The 357th FG has lost another member....
Thomas William Martinek, age 84, of Covington, IN, formerly of Chicago, IL, went to be with the lord on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at his home with his family beside him. He was born September 7, 1922 the fourth of thirteen children to Samuel and Gertrude (Malicoat) Martinek. He is survived by his beloved spouse of 60 years, Lorraine Dorothy Pufunt. Thomas is also the beloved father of nine children; Tina Hurley, Sandra Jean Fruit, Thomas Jr., Jerry, Raymond, Judith Proietti, Edward, Lorie Proietti, and John. He is survived by three brothers: Sam, Harry, Lee, and three sisters: Ida, Eleanor, and Helen. He is a beloved grandfather of fifty five grandchildren and twenty five great grandchildren and two special friends: Bob Haines and Wade Winstead. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother: John, and three sisters: Dawn, Millicent, and Barbara and two infant siblings.
He was an Army Air Corps fighter pilot ace. He flew a P51 Mustang by the name Morning Star in World War II. He graduated Cum Lauda from Loyola University as a Chemist. He was employed by Pure Oil Co. in Crystal Lake, and Tee Pak Research and Development in Danville. Thomas was accredited with over 120 patents. He was an architect, builder, engineer and chemist. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Covington.

Tom Martinek who flew with the 362nd Fighter Squadron. He flew P-51D, "Morning Star" G4-Z.
On Oct 7,1944 he took on 100 German aircraft, disrupting their attack on Allied bombers and shot down two.