RAF Mildenhall honours wartime airman by naming building after him
Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher, right, and his son Gary, stand with their hands over their hearts during the playing of the national anthem at the renaming ceremony on RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere - Credit: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
US military personnel at RAF Mildenhall have honoured a former 100th Bomb Group airman stationed in Norfolk during the Second World War by naming a building after him.
Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher cuts the ribbon at the Professional Development Center renaming ceremony on RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere - Credit: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
Retired Master Sgt Dewey Christopher travelled from America with his son Gary to attened a special ceremony to mark the renaming of the Mildenhall training centre.
A recipient of the Bronze Star for heroism, the former serviceman was a crew chief stationed at Thorpe Abbots, near Diss, home of the 100th Bomb Group, from 1943.
Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher with 100th Air Refueling Wing leadership at the centre renamed after him at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere - Credit: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
During his visit Mr Christopher made emotional trip back to Thorpe Abbots seeing the part of the former airfield where his crew maintained the 351st Bomb Squadron B-17 Flying Fortresses.
He also celebrated his 96th birthday during his visit marked with a birthday cake as he opened the Dewey R. Christopher Professional Development Center, which hosts training for new US airmen on their first posting.
Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher presented with a 96th birthday cake as the audience sings Happy Birthday at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere - Credit: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
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Mr Christopher had previously returned to East Anglia with fellow veterans and families from the 100th Bombardment Group Foundation in 2017.
Members of the 100th Maintenance Group pose for a photo with retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher, a former 351st Bomb Squadron crew chief in the Second World War at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere - Credit: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere
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