Most are aware of the Doolittle raid of 18 April 1942. A handful of B-25 medium bombers took off from the carrier Hornet, dropped their bombs on mainland Japan, and proceeded to crash land or parachute into Japanese-held territory. All of the aircraft were lost. Many of the airmen were captured, and some were executed.
The raid was trivial in terms of damage. Generally, it is acknowledged as a morale boost to a U.S. public that had been pummeled by multiple war disasters since 7 Dec 1941.
Some historians claim that the raid did more than boost morale; that it in fact caused the Japanese military to devote more assets to defense of Japan's mainland. I find this last to be grasping a bit. Does anyone else think the raid did more than boost American morale?
The Raiders have a unique tontine described here. The last two raider's left alive will open the cognac and toast their comrades. The display used to be at the USAF Academy, and I well remember seeing it at Arnold Hall, the Cadet recreation center. As of Dec 2010, there are only five raiders still with us.
I find the raid to be a unique moment in WW2 history. Brave men indeed. I wish I had been able to meet them as a cadet.
The raid was trivial in terms of damage. Generally, it is acknowledged as a morale boost to a U.S. public that had been pummeled by multiple war disasters since 7 Dec 1941.
Some historians claim that the raid did more than boost morale; that it in fact caused the Japanese military to devote more assets to defense of Japan's mainland. I find this last to be grasping a bit. Does anyone else think the raid did more than boost American morale?
The Raiders have a unique tontine described here. The last two raider's left alive will open the cognac and toast their comrades. The display used to be at the USAF Academy, and I well remember seeing it at Arnold Hall, the Cadet recreation center. As of Dec 2010, there are only five raiders still with us.
I find the raid to be a unique moment in WW2 history. Brave men indeed. I wish I had been able to meet them as a cadet.
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