Museum shares the story of heroic Whitefish airman in new exhibit
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 4 weeks, 1 day AGO
Air Force pilot, 2nd Lt. Norbert Herriges, from Whitefish, defended a French village and died in combat during World War II. A new exhibit commemorates his act of courage and the family's ongoing ties to the people of Pourrières. (Courtesy photo)
An obelisk in Pourrières, France, is dedicated to Air Force 2nd Lt. Norbert Herriges who was flying a mission over the village on Aug. 12, 1944, when he was shot down by a German fighter pilot. (Courtesy photo)
The Northwest Montana History Museum unveils a new exhibit Nov. 11, honoring Air Force 2nd Lt. Norbert Herriges, a World War II fighter pilot from Whitefish who gave his life to protect a French village.
The exhibit titled The Airman They Never Forgot tells the remarkable story of Herriges, who, on his 35th mission in August 1944, shot down two German bombers headed toward the village of Pourrières, France. Herriges was killed in action when his plane was hit in the battle. Since then, the people of Pourrières have remembered and honored him for saving the town from destruction.
Among the artifacts on display will be a handcrafted sculpture from Pourrières and a letter of appreciation from the village, a model of a P-47 Thunderbolt — the aircraft Herriges flew in combat — and photos of Herriges.
During the open house, which begins at 5 p.m., the museum will screen the recent French documentary “Un Été en Provence (A Summer in Provence),” with English subtitles. The documentary recounts his story and the village’s enduring gratitude.
Members of the Herriges family, who still reside in Montana, some in the Flathead Valley, will be in attendance to share family memories of Herriges’ service and legacy.
“He was a man they held in regard for saving their town even though they never met him,” relative Margaret Herriges said. “He’s become my hero now, too.”
“Taps” will be played by Flathead High School trumpeter, Jack Provo.
Admission is free. The museum is located at 124 Second Ave. East, Kalispell. For more information, call 756-8381 or visit nwmthistory.org.
An obelisk in Pourrières, France, is dedicated to Air Force 2nd Lt. Norbert Herriges who was flying a mission over the village on Aug. 12, 1944, when he was shot down by a German fighter pilot. (Courtesy photo)