Antonio Riva (pilot)
| Antonio Riva | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 April 1896 Shanghai, Qing Empire |
| Died | 17 August 1951 (aged 55) Beijing, People's Republic of China |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Italy |
| Service/branch | Corpo Aeronautico Militare |
| Rank | Capitano (captain) |
| Unit | 71a Squadriglia, 78a Squadriglia |
| Awards | Medal for Military Valor |
| Other work | Executed by Chinese Communists for "counter-revolutionary activities". |
Antonio Riva (Chinese: 李安東; pinyin: Lǐ Āndōng; 8 April 1896 Shanghai – 17 August 1951 Beijing) was an Italian pilot and a World War I flying ace, credited with seven confirmed and seven unconfirmed aerial victories. In 1951, he was executed by firing squad under the newly established People's Republic of China for allegedly conspiring to assassinate Mao Zedong and other Communist leaders.
Antonio Riva was born in Shanghai, China on 8 April 1896. Being of Italian heritage, he returned to Italy as World War I engulfed Europe. He volunteered as a reserve officer on 31 December 1914, before Italy entered the war. On 11 July 1915, he was commissioned a Sottotenente in the Italian Army's 70th Infantry Regiment. On 12 November 1915, he was wounded, not returning to duty until 16 March 1916. He was transferred to the 201st Infantry Regiment on 15 June 1916; on 30 June he was once again wounded in action. He returned to the front with the 44th Infantry Regiment on 22 August 1916. The next month, he went on leave; upon his return, he found himself bucked to the 49th Infantry Regiment. However, on 25 September 1916, he was accepted for pilot's training at San Giusto.
Riva became a Tenente (Lieutenant) while in aviation training; his promotion was effective 25 February 1917. He completed his training in April 1917, while stationed in Foggia. His first assignment was to a reconnaissance two-seater unit, 29a Squadriglia. After just 12 sorties with them, he undertook fighter conversion training on Nieuports in June 1917. In July, he underwent gunnery school at San Giusto. On 19 July, he was posted to a fighter squadron, 73a Squadriglia. He transferred out to 71a Squadriglia at the end of July.
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