In commemoration of the American Airmen and Birmingham’s own.
The 117th Air Refueling Wing will hold a ceremony on: Thursday, April 4th 3:30–
Commemorating the Bay of Pigs mission that took the lives of
Leo Baker, Wade Gray, Pete Ray and Riley Shamburger.
The Bay of Pigs was a Central Intelligence Agency mission. It was intended to use Cuban exiles to invade the island of Cuba and start a revolution against Fidel Castro. Four Airmen from the 117th Reconnaissance Wing of the Alabama National Guard died during the covert action over the Bay of Pigs on April 19, 1961. Four were killed in action. No one in the Alabama Air National Guard was allowed to discuss the mission or what happened to the Airmen for over two decades. It was another twenty years before the CIA publicly acknowledged the failed invasion and the loss of the Alabama Airmen.
The ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the Forest Hill cemetery where a wreath will be laid on the grave of Pete Ray which will include the playing of Taps and a three volley salute.
A reception at the Southern Museum of Flight will begin immediately following the wreath laying ceremony.
Phone: 205-714-6626
2019/04/04 - 2019/04/04
Southern Museum of Flight
4343 73rd Street North, Birmingham, AL 35206