The Doolittle Tokyo Raid 73 years later; A toast to the past, a look to the future

An individual watches a video highlighting the Airmen that took part of the Doolittle Raid April 17, 2015 at Memorial Plaza, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The night was held in remembrance of the 73rd anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid that transpired April 18, 1942. The evening began with trivia, a short video depicting the historical moment, and a toast held in their honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Douglas)

The Doolittle Tokyo Raid 73 years later; A toast to the past, a look to the future

Capt. Elliot Kipp, 763rd Expeditionary Squadron electronic warfare officer, speaks to the crowd about the events that surrounded the Doolittle Tokyo Raid April 17, 2015 at Memorial Plaza at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The night was held in remembrance of the 73rd anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid that occurred April 18, 1942. Kipp was asked to speak during the occasion because his home unit is the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron. The 95 RS was formerly known as the 95th Bomb Squadron, which was part of the Doolittle Raiders.

The Doolittle Tokyo Raid 73 years later; A toast to the past, a look to the future

Senior Master Sgt. Turaeza Hose, 379th Expeditionary Forces Support Squadron community services flight superintendent, announces the start of the World War II Trivia April 17, 2015 at Memorial Plaza, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The night was held in remembrance of the 73rd anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid that occurred April 18, 2015. The evening began with trivia, a short video depicting the historical moment, and a toast held in their honor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Douglas)

The Doolittle Tokyo Raid 73 years later; A toast to the past, a look to the future

Published April 23, 2015
By Capt. Sarah Babcock
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- April 18 marked the 73rd anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, and in honor of this date the 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron hosted a memorial to commemorate and remember this historical event.

As an important part of U.S. Air Force heritage, the Doolittle Tokyo Raid signifies the achievements and innovations of the 80 men and 16 B-25 Mitchells who bombed targets in retribution for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

On that fateful day in 1942, the aircrews launched from the USS Hornet knowing they may not survive. Some lost their lives and some were captured by the Japanese but the risk and sacrifice of these Airmen paid off; it demonstrated the reach of U.S. air power and provided the needed morale boost back home.

"This event carries special meaning because three of the B-25s that launched were assigned to the 34th," said Capt Olgun, 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron weapon system officer. "Our squadron's participation in the Doolittle Raid is one of the first things we learn about when we arrive at the 34th. Being a part of this heritage and continuing this legacy is an honor."

The evening finished with a toast followed by a viewing of “Thirty Seconds over Tokyo”, a film chronicling the events based on the personal account of Ted Lawson which uses actual footage from the raid.

"The courage and innovation demonstrated by these men in 1942 led by then-Lt. Col. James H. 'Jimmy' Doolittle is inspiring," said Lt. Col. Joe Kramer, 34th EBS commander. "I see the same traits of courage and innovation echoed today by my fellow Airmen who take to the skies for missions over Afghanistan or against ISIL. Like the Doolittle Raiders of the Tokyo Raid, Airmen today accomplish their mission with steadfast professionalism."

Today, only two of the original 80 still survive; retired Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” E. Cole, the copilot of Aircraft No. 1 and Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher, the engineer-gunner of Aircraft No. 7.