Day 2: B-17's and a Coincidental Stop

Pop stands in front of a photo of his Group's bombers.

Today, Harold Gilbert not only impacted our lives, but the lives of others around us while we visited the Parham Airfield. Harold Gilbert, known to everyone here as “Pop,” flew a B-17 Heavy Bomber with the 549^th squadron of the 385^th Bomb Group during WWII. Pop participated in 26 combat missions, only two with his original crew, and acted first as a waist gunner and tail gunner, and later a ball turret gunner.

After a beautiful breakfast at the hotel, we headed straight to Parham Airfield. We were greeted by the Parham Airfield volunteers when we first arrived and were given a presentation on the 390^th Bomb Group, which the museum at Parham honored. The 390^th Bomb Group at Parham specifically flew B-17 plans, which Pop flew during his time in service. We were even able to see a picture of the same bomber that he flew. After the presentations, Dr. Mullinax presented the museum with a plaque thanking them for their preservation of the Parham Airfield and dedication to Veterans.

Pop compares and contrasts B-17 Bomber models.

We were able to walk through a part of the museum which was completely dedicated to B-17 planes. Uniforms, equipment, pictures, and even a model of the B-17 were on display. While viewing this memorabilia, Pop would comment on the different outfits and equipment we saw. He told us a little bit about his experiences while flying, in particular the extremely cold conditions and how the model plane display was better than what he flew because it had windows. Pop had to manage a .50 caliber gun without a window to break the freezing wind. He said he had a mask and heated equipment, but that only did so much. In the middle of one of Pop's stories, a volunteer stopped and told us what a great Veteran we had. He said he could have listened to Pop all day and reminded us what an amazing opportunity it was to hear his stories.

On the way to Parham Airfield, Pop realized we were very close to Great Ashfield, the town where his base was located. This being his first time back to England after his service, he had not yet been able to visit the plaque the Great Ashfield congregation presented to the 385^th Bomb Group at the local church. We were able to go into Great Ashfield and find the church where the plaque was placed, and Pop was able to get out and see it for the very first time. Pop was already so filled with joy to be back in England, but to be able to go back to the town where he served and see a monument in his Bomb Group's honor only made his joyful spirit double in size.

We have already learned so much from Pop, and this was only the first official day of our trip. We are so looking forward to hearing more of Pop's stories and learning more about his days on a B-17.

Pop visits All Saints Church in Great Ashfield.

Nichole Russell, senior

Kirk Metzger, senior