Hermon Lowery is a humble gent.

That's why his pals were tickled to surprise and honor the 84-year-old World War II vet. And that's why they're now anguished that vandals ruined their tribute.

"I think it's just terrible," says Ken Harkness, 70, a friend of Lowery. "I'm pretty upset about this."

Both men belong to the Pekin Radio Control Club, which flies model aircraft at Everett McKinley Dirksen Park, off Illinois Route 98. Lowery was a founder of the group, which is nearly 50 years old. Its 70 members fly planes with wingspans of about 7 feet. The craft can cost $400 to $7,000.

Two decades ago, Lowery was instrumental in getting the Pekin Park District to dedicate a field - 200 yards by 150 yards, with a 150-foot blacktop runway - for sole use by the club. So, the group named it Hermon D. Lowery Field.

Lowery, a Pabst retiree, remains shy about the recognition, even years later.

"I'm not really sure I deserved that," he says quietly.

This summer, the group decided to further laud Lowery - as much for his service to his country as the club. Lowery was an Army Air Forces engineer on a B-24 bomber during World War II.

Says friend Harkness, "We sit around and listen to him tell stories."

An old sign at the field had fallen into disrepair. The club wanted not just a new sign, but a snazzier one.

Members gathered donated materials and labor. They crafted a spiffy sign emblazoned with a B-24 and announcing, "Welcome to Hermon D. Lowery Field." Flanking the sign were two ersatz bombs fashioned from old fire extinguishers. A third bomb hung from the sign, boasting, "Enjoy this, Adolph. From Hermon."

Working fast, members kept the project secret from Lowery. At a dedication ceremony emceed by Pekin Mayor David Tebben, the club pulled off tarps covering the sign.

Lowery couldn't believe his eyes, which teared up in gratitude.

"It's a very humbling experience," he says. "I really didn't earn it."

The club was proud of the sign, which struck a dignified pose - until Nov. 16. The hanging bomb was snapped off its chain. One of the flanking bombs was bashed from its mooring: thick rebar plunged into concrete. The third bomb was knocked over, but the rebar held.

Someone really must have wanted the bombs. Not only was it hard work to remove them, but access is restricted by a 4-foot-tall chain-link fence.

Even worse, last week the third bomb vanished. This time, stronger tools must've been used, because the bomb got ripped from the concrete.

The club reported the theft, but so far police have no leads. The club is offering a $100 reward for tips leading to an arrest. So far, the club isn't sure what it will do about the damaged sign.

Lowery is crushed, not for himself but the club.

"That's terrible, isn't it?" he says. "The club went through a lot of effort. I feel depressed that they feel such a loss."

Harkness wonders who wanted the bombs.

"It's probably kids saying, 'Look what we got.'"

The bombs have no real value - except to a small hobby club and the men who wanted to honor an old veteran.

Phil Luciano can be reached at pluciano@pjstar.com or (309) 686-3155.