Jul 28, 2025
Lieutenant Harold C. Becker was made squadron navigator of the 350th squadron on May 5, 1944.
Two days later, he was flying aboard Hard Luck II leading the squadron over Berlin. They were almost out of range of the flak after dropping their bombs, and the young navigator put up two fingers, reassuring the bombardier that they’d be clear of the flak in two minutes.
Suddenly, a 20mm shell crashed into the nose of the ship and exploded directly behind Becker’s head, killing Becker instantly and wounding the bombardier.
He was flying his 24th mission of the 28 he was required to fly.