Casimer “Casey” Bukowski marked his 102nd birthday by heading back into the air above the former RAF Ridgewell base in Essex, where he was stationed during World War Two.
Bukowski was assigned to the 381st Bomb Group in 1943 after arriving as a teenager from New York in the US. He served as a waist gunner on Boeing B-17 aircraft.
Speaking to the BBC, the former staff sergeant said: “I thought I was going to win the war for the Allies, but I soon learned the difference.”
Bukowski, who grew up in Buffalo, was shot down in Germany in February 1944. Six of his crewmates were killed, but he was captured and taken to a prisoner of war camp.
He spent 14 months captive before being liberated by US troops on 26 April 1945.
“At that age it seemed like it was all fun and games. As a matter of fact, I learned the difference right away,” Bukowski said.
“I never thought of [being shot out] when I enlisted and went into the service at first. That was the furthest thing in my mind.”
Volunteers at Ridgewell, where a museum now operates at the former bomber base, threw Bukowski a surprise party during his return on Thursday.
He was also taken for a flight on a glider plane so he could see the runway from above again, and briefly took control of the aircraft.
Bukowski said: “I enjoyed it. It was another experience for me to brag about.”
Museum volunteer Gary Maddocks said it was “amazing” to welcome him back.
“He’s such a great character, full of stories, and he’s so humble as well,” he said.
“I suppose, through Casey, we’re just remembering all those guys that didn’t come back.”
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