Memorial

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David Pest enlisted on 29 August 1942 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He completed his course of studies as an aviation mechanic in the Army Air Forces Technical School in Amarillo, Texas in January 1943. He received his gunnery wings at Davis-Mothon Field in Tucson, Arizona. Sgt Pest had been overseas since September 1943.

Diversions were usually considered “milk runs”, but this turned out to be anything but that when this formation succeeded in attracting 30 to 50 single-engine enemy aircraft. These “yellow noses” attacked and one of these bandits slashed through the formation. It was hit by the B-24 gunners, which knocked off its wing and it lost control and slammed into the aircraft piloted by Lt F. V. Johnston. The collision sent both planes down into the sea. There were no survivors from this 506th Squadron crew.

Sgt Pest is remembered at the Highland Cemetery in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi