SSgt Howard William Riley was born on October 11, 1920, and entered the military service at Detroit, Michigan on November 12, 1942. He attended radio operator's school, and also received training as an aerial gunner.

He was assigned to the 563rd Bomb Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group, a B-17 unit located at Knettishall Air Base, England. Although trained as a radio operator, he was assigned to a combat crew as the ball turret gunner. Records show he had flown at least 5 missions in this configuration.

On December 22, 1943, the 563rd Bomb Squadron was alerted to be part of a bombing raid on the railroad yards at Munster, Germany. This would be the 8th mission for Riley.

The aircraft approached the target, dropped its bombs, and made the turn off target. It then began to drop behind the formation, its #1 engine feathered. The aircraft was last seen being escorted over Holland by a solitary P-47 as it lost altitude and disappeared into a gathering overcast.

SSgt Thomas Wesson, the tail gunner, later reported all extra equipment was thrown out in an effort to lighten the aircraft, but it kept losing altitude. The pilot gave the bail out signal and the crew attempted to jump. Some records indicate all but 2 crewmen were killed, but some others indicate 3 survived.

The aircraft crashed into the Ijsselmeer River near Enzhuiken, Netherlands. On June 7, 1944, local fishermen found the body of Riley and buried it in a local cemetery. After the war, Riley was returned to the U.S. and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, airforce.togetherweserved.com