Cosmo Joe Fazzio was born on October 13, 1924, in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. He was the son of Salvatore "Sam" Fazzio and Consetta "Constance" Restivo Fazzio. He enlisted in the service on November 3, 1942. He served in the 749th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of the B-17 (42-31629) known as ''Raven's Haven'' during World War II.

On April 9, 1944, during a raid over the Polish port city of Gdynia, the aircraft sustained heavy damage from German anti-aircraft defenses and was subsequently attacked by Fw 190 fighters. The assault crippled the plane, disabling one of its engines and compromising its cockpit. Despite efforts by pilot Lt. David P. Parks to maintain control, the damage forced the crew to abandon the aircraft over German territory. Out of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed, while three survived and were taken as prisoners of war. SSgt Fazzio was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Calvary Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.findagrave.com