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Continuing the Doolittle mission

  • Published
  • By 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron
  • 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Commander
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  April 18th marks the 72nd anniversary of the historic Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Today, the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Tigers, one of the squadrons who executed the famous raid, commemorates the event by executing their assigned mission over the skies of Afghanistan. As they fly, they remember one of the most inspiring missions of World War II and one of America's early steps towards ultimate victory.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was the first of many bold moves that made Japan seem nearly invincible in the early months of World War II. For a time, it was as if America and her allies were resigned to watch Japan devour chunks of Asia and the Pacific. The outlook appeared grim. Navy carriers with fighter aircraft could not get close enough to strike Japan and even the heaviest of Army bombers were out of range. A daring plan to strike back was needed. This is when the idea of launching medium bombers from the decks of carriers was hatched.

In 1942, Army Air Forces Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle, one of the most respected aviators in America, was tasked with making the allied plan a reality. He first needed to find a two-engine bomber small enough to launch from a carrier yet with enough range to reach Japan and a payload to make the trip matter. It was Doolittle who hand-picked the B-25 Mitchell and the 17th Bomb Group - comprised of the 34th, 37th, 95th Bomb and the 89th Reconnaissance squadrons. Trusting Doolittle, they volunteered, trained and deployed without knowing their true mission. The plan was not fully revealed until after the squadrons were underway in the Pacific Ocean.

Doolittle's Raiders sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge in early April. On the 18th, the task force was spotted by the Japanese almost 200 miles from their intended launch point. Doolittle's sixteen bombers launched early without even the time or fuel to join in formation. They flew to individually dispersed targets and consequently achieved only minor military and industrial damage. However, the strategic effect cannot be underestimated. The raid was a boost for America's morale and a devastating blow to Japan. Belief in the Japanese peoples' invincibility and confidence in their isolation was shattered. Japan recalled troops to defend their islands and rushed plans to attack more U.S. island targets, namely Midway Island. As a result, the tide of the entire Pacific war turned in favor of the allies, and it all started with a daring raid and the small glimmer of hope it gave to America.

Until this year, the Raiders have gathered almost every year since 1945, and even met once during the war, to toast their mission, commander and comrades. Each man had a small silver goblet; his name engraved both right side up and upside down. When a Raider passed, the others drank to his memory and gently invert his goblet. Last year, only four of the eighty goblets remained upright. Richard Cole, Robert Hite, Edward Saylor and David Thatcher made the difficult decision that it was time to declare their mission complete. Thus, 71 years after their aircraft shuddered off the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet, they met for one final official reunion.

Today, the Doolittle Raiders are no longer able to meet; however, the 37th EBS meets to keep their mission alive and commemorate the lessons they left with them.

The Raiders taught that freedom requires sacrifice. They launched knowing their planned recovery base was out of range. The best hope was parachuting out over free China. The Raiders went anyway. They each volunteered and went without hesitation. Two died in crashes. Another eight were captured, three of whom were executed and one died in captivity. Thirteen died elsewhere during World War II. Countless Chinese civilians were murdered as enraged Japanese troops searched occupied territory for the Airmen.

The Raiders also show that there is an important legacy to uphold. In the military, Airmen stand on the shoulders of generations of heroes. B-1 Bombers from the 37th EBS are airborne today and will remember the dedication and boldness of the Raiders. The Tigers fly to protect coalition lives, hold the enemy at risk, and give the people of Afghanistan their own small glimmer of hope.

Wherever you may be today, consider raising a glass to the Doolittle Raiders. Remember their mission and be thankful for brave men who stood up in a time of dire need when the odds were against them. Accept their reminder of what it means to be an Airman and a warrior. Although their mission is over, it is Airmen's humbling responsibility to continue in their formidable footsteps and learn from their lasting legacy.