THE DOOLITTLE RAID: From the Naval History and Heritage Command, published by the US Naval Institute:
“On April 18, 1942, it was a “nice sun-shiny day overcast with anti-aircraft fire,” according to Army Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eldred V. Scott.
“Over Tokyo, anyway.
“Scott’s weather quip signaled the near completion of the Doolittle Raiders’ mission on that day 72 years ago today. But it was just the beginning of the unknown for the 80 men and their 16 planes. (Note: This article was first published as a US Naval Institute history blog on 18 April 2014)
“Seven of those airmen would never return home. None of the planes did. While the bombing mission itself was relatively minor in terms of damage inflicted, the raid set into motion what would become a pivotal naval victory for the U. S. at the Battle of Midway.”
- Photo above: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle (left front), leader of the attacking force, and Captain Marc A. Mitscher, Commanding Officer of USS Hornet (CV-8), pose with a 500-pound bomb and USAAF aircrew members during ceremonies on Hornet’s flight deck, while the raid task force was en route to the launching point. (Source of Photo and description: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command at website https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-64000/NH-64472.html.)
Now is a good time to begin learning more about that daring raid, which will be discussed during our Historic Celebration brunch on 14 April at Naval Station Everett, starting at 11:30 am. CAPT Joe Valenta, USN (Ret) will moderate that event which will include a discussion group and video.
DOOLITTLE RAID REFERENCES: A good reference to begin learning about the Doolittle Raid can be found at the Naval Institute’s website HERE which includes the paragraphs quoted above from the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) and much more. NHHC also provides many interesting photos related to the raid on its official website which can be accessed HERE.
ADDITIONAL MARITIME TOPICS ARE ALSO PLANNED FOR 2018: The Doolittle Raid discussion is only one of many maritime history topics which will be covered during the coming months of 2018, including the Battle of Midway (June) and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor (December).
Also, a new discussion group format, based on the Naval War College’s practice, will also be unveiled in February and that additional offering for NOUS Northwest companions will be a valuable resource toward our mission of learning and preserving US Maritime history.
Stay tuned!
Naval Order of the US - Northwest 