Ray Theodore "Ted" Wilken was born on October 20, 1920 in New York. He served in the 563rd Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group (Heavy), as a First Lieutenant and Pilot of #42-30349 aircraft during World War II.

On Sep 6, 1943, his B-17, "Patricia", was badly shot up by enemy fighters. He was severely wounded and burned but after keeping the aircraft aloft to allow his crew to bail out, he himself managed to bail out. Unfortunately, a propellor of his falling aircraft caught his parachute on its way down and dragged him down to his death. 1Lt Wilken is now buried in the Epinal American Cemetery, Dinozé, France. 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, www.abmc.gov, www.fieldsofhonor-database.com