11.12.2018
Capt. Dick Nelms

Dick Nelms is a 95 year-old WorldWar II veteran who piloted a B-17 Flying Fortress over Germany and Nazioccupied Europe in 1944. He completed 35 missions and earned theDistinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals and a Presidential unit citationamong others for his efforts.

Dick flew his missions fromRattlesden, England and after returning home from one mission, the crew countedmore than 300 holes in the airplane. That plane, named “Pandora’s Box”,was so badly damaged on the mission that it never flew in combat again. Amazingly, not a single crewmember was killed or injured on that mission.

On only his third mission whichwas to Berlin, sixty-eight B-17’s with 680 men aboard, were shot from the skyand it was the largest single day loss in the history of the Eight Air Forceduring WWII.

Dick returned home after the warand became a very successful commercial artist. He has lived on MercerIsland in Washington state since 1953 and still volunteers at the SeattleMuseum of Flight, speaking twice monthly about his experiences. Dick istruly an American hero!

Squadron Tees is proud to havecreated a custom-designed tee shirt to help commemorate Dick’s upcoming 75thanniversary in 2019 for completing his service in WWII!!

Dick in May 2018 (age 95)

Dick holding his Distinguished Flying Cross

Here Dick is holding a piece of a German V-2rocket that exploded near him in London while he was on leave. He told me hestill remembers how hot it was when he picked it up 74 years ago!


Dick in 1944 at Rattlesdan

Dick at the Seattle Museum of Flight in2018 posing in front of the B-17 mannequin.

This gentleman is a 97-year old fellowB-17 pilot who served with Dick in the 8^th Air Force (they didn’tknow of each other during the war). Bill also survived 35 missions andthey share memories few of us can understand. The Greatest Generation!

Squadron Tees custom-designed shirt celebrating Dick’s 75^thanniversary of completing 35 missions in 1944!