‘The Airman They Never Forgot’ — Museum tells story of Whitefish hero in new exhibit

A new exhibit honoring Lieutenant Norbert William Herriges, a World War II fighter pilot from Whitefish, will be unveiled at the Northwest Montana History Museum next week.  

The new exhibit at the Northwest Montana History Museum, titled “The Airman They Never Forgot,” honors Herriges’ story. Among the artifacts on display are a handcrafted sculpture from the people of Pourrières, photographs of Herriges, a letter of appreciation from the village, and a model of a P-47 Thunderbolt. 

The public is invited to attend an open house unveiling the new exhibit on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. Admission is free. 

Herriges gave his life to protect a French village. He was on his 35th mission on Aug. 12, 1944, when he brought down two German bombers headed towards Pourrières, France, before his own plane was shot down. 

Herriges managed to bail out of his P-47 Thunderbolt, but his parachute failed to open and during the incident, he was shot in the head. The owners of a farm where Herriges landed hid his body from the Germans until they were threatened with execution. 

Despite the Germans, the citizens of the town picked up his body and conducted a funeral. In a town with a population of about 1,000 at the time during World War II, a reported 3,000 people were present. 

A 1938 graduate of Whitefish High School, Herriges volunteered for the Army Air Corps, serving as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Herriges’ body was eventually returned to be buried in the cemetery of his hometown of Whitefish. 

As part of the evening, the museum also will screen the recent French documentary with English subtitles, “Un Été en Provence,” or “A Summer in Provence,” which recounts Herriges’ story and the village’s enduring gratitude. Music for the evening will be played by Flathead High trumpeter Jack Provo. 

Members of the Herriges family, who still reside in the Flathead and Montana, will attend the event and 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,” said Margaret Herriges, a relative. “He’s become my hero now, too.” 

The Northwest Montana History Museum is located at 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Call 406-756-8381 or see nwmthistory.org for more information.  

    Norbert Herriges
  

    Norbert Herriges
  

    Pictured is an obelisk dedicated to Herriges in Pourrières, France. (Photo provided by NWMT History Museum)
  

    Norbert Herriges and his wife Jean Herriges, center, on their wedding day with their respective parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and Anastasia and Nick Herriges. (Photo courtesy of Herriges family)