1LT David Riker was my wife’s great uncle. He died while bombing an aircraft parts factory over Budapest, Hungary. His plane, piloted by Bauman and co-piloted by Riker was hit by FLAK directly over the target and fell into the trail plane. Riker’s plane had 12 on board that day and none were able to exit the aircraft; all were killed. The other aircraft, piloted by Mowery, was struck by Riker’s B-24. The prop of Riker’s plane killed the co-pilot of the other plane while he was still strapped in the seat. Mowery was able to re-gain control of his plane and gave the order to bail out. All but the co-pilot exited the aircraft. Unfortunately, Mowery’s chute didn’t open and he was killed as well.
1LT David Riker was my wife’s great uncle. He died while bombing an aircraft parts factory over Budapest, Hungary. His plane, piloted by Bauman and co-piloted by Riker was hit by FLAK directly over the target and fell into the trail plane. Riker’s plane had 12 on board that day and none were able to exit the aircraft; all were killed. The other aircraft, piloted by Mowery, was struck by Riker’s B-24. The prop of Riker’s plane killed the co-pilot of the other plane while he was still strapped in the seat. Mowery was able to re-gain control of his plane and gave the order to bail out. All but the co-pilot exited the aircraft. Unfortunately, Mowery’s chute didn’t open and he was killed as well.
August 31st, 2008 at 1:10 pm