US military personnel at RAF Mildenhall have honoured a former 100th Bomb Group airman stationed in Norfolk during the Second World War by naming a building after him.

Eastern Daily Press: Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher cuts the ribbon at the Professional Development Center renaming ceremony on RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen AbeyasekereRetired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher cuts the ribbon at the Professional Development Center renaming ceremony on RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere (Image: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere)

Retired Master Sgt Dewey Christopher travelled from America with his son Gary to attened a special ceremony to mark the renaming of the Mildenhall training centre.

A recipient of the Bronze Star for heroism, the former serviceman was a crew chief stationed at Thorpe Abbots, near Diss, home of the 100th Bomb Group, from 1943.

Eastern Daily Press: Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher with 100th Air Refueling Wing leadership at the centre renamed after him at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen AbeyasekereRetired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher with 100th Air Refueling Wing leadership at the centre renamed after him at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere (Image: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere)

During his visit Mr Christopher made emotional trip back to Thorpe Abbots seeing the part of the former airfield where his crew maintained the 351st Bomb Squadron B-17 Flying Fortresses.

He also celebrated his 96th birthday during his visit marked with a birthday cake as he opened the Dewey R. Christopher Professional Development Center, which hosts training for new US airmen on their first posting.

Eastern Daily Press: Retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher presented with a 96th birthday cake as the audience sings Happy Birthday at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen AbeyasekereRetired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher presented with a 96th birthday cake as the audience sings Happy Birthday at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere (Image: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere)

Mr Christopher had previously returned to East Anglia with fellow veterans and families from the 100th Bombardment Group Foundation in 2017.

Eastern Daily Press: Members of the 100th Maintenance Group pose for a photo with retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher, a former 351st Bomb Squadron crew chief in the Second World War at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen AbeyasekereMembers of the 100th Maintenance Group pose for a photo with retired Master Sgt. Dewey Christopher, a former 351st Bomb Squadron crew chief in the Second World War at RAF Mildenhall. Picture: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere (Image: USAF/Karen Abeyasekere)