On the eve of Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War, the Italian government deployed eight Tornado Fighter-bombers. Gianmarco Bellini was one of these pilots. He was shot down, captured, and abused, but returned and was able to rise to the rank of General.

"Gianmarco Bellini was shot down during the first Iraq War, and was captured and abused, but able to return and rise to the rank of General."