WWII veteran celebrates 101st birthday at the Museum of Flight
SEATTLE (KOMO) — A World War II veteran from western Washington celebrated his 101st birthday at the Museum of Flight on Saturday.
Dick Nelms was a B-17 pilot during the war and flew 35 missions, mostly over Germany. After the war, he enjoyed a long career as a professional artist. Years after retiring, at the age of 93, Nelms called the Museum of Flight because he “needed something to do.” And they had the perfect job for him: a Living History volunteer.
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Fast forward to 2024, and Nelms is now the oldest volunteer at the Museum of Flight, meeting with visitors and sharing his experiences during the war with younger generations.
On Saturday dozens of friends and family members celebrated Nelms’ 101st birthday at the museum.
“Almost overwhelming,” Nelms said Saturday. “I just thought I’d be coming over here to say hello to a couple people.”
“I love him because he’s very humble,” said Kent Ramsey, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Flight. “Very, just down to earth, doesn’t brag about a lot of things, but he’s got a lot of incredible history here.”
You can find Nelms every other Saturday at the Museum of Flight next to his B-17. Nelms said he plans to keep going and volunteering at the museum “as long as I can stand up.”
KOMO News photojournalist Doug Pigsley was at Nelms’ 101st birthday celebration at the Museum of Flight on Saturday as the community came together to help the very special veteran celebrate his big milestone. Watch the video in the player above to see more.