Second Air Force

17th Bombardment Group

Doolittle Raid - Second Air Force (ZI/CONUS), 1941-1942 - Oregon, South Carolina

34th Bombardment Squadron

37th Bombardment Squadron

89th Reconnaissance Squadron

95th Bombardment Squadron

  • Doolittle Raider volunteers chosen from all 4 squadrons. - Transitioned to B-26 Marauder, June 1942
  • Doolittle Raid B-25Bs aboard USS Hornet

    The Doolittle Raid on Tokyo 

    Forced to launch early, the crews of the 16 B-25's prepared their planes. Each of the crews had their own targets. The first group would be attacking Tokyo. They were still farther away from the Japanese homeland than originally anticipated. Fuel calculations weighed heavily on every crew. Based on the most widely reported distances, they were on the edge of their calculated fuel window. As the bombers reached their intended destination, they were surprised at the minimal resistance encountered. Some crews were able to drop their bombs on their intended targets. Others were forced to identify secondary targets for a number of reasons. On their flight from Japan to China, the crews got an unexpected break in the form of a tail wind. Although this would not make up for the lack of fuel, it did act to lift the spirits of the crews on board the bombers. Below is a crew by crew summary of their flight from the Hornet to their destinations. For some crewmen, we have included some information on what they did after the raid. We intend to expand on this information in the near future. Most of the Raiders survived the raid, and most of those that did, returned to fight. Some were lost in later missions. Many of the Raiders continued to fly B-25s after the raid.

     Crew #1 SN 40-2344

  • Pilot: Lt. Col. J. H. Doolittle
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. E. Cole
  • Navigator: Lt. H. A. Potter
  • Bombardier: SSgt. F. A. Braemer
  • Engineer/Gunner: SSgt. P. J. Leonard
  • Crew #1 was the first to launch from the Hornet. Lieutenant Dick Cole, copilot, was confidant their B-25 would successfully become airborne. He had placed all of his faith in the abilities of his pilot. Lieutenant Col. Doolittle did not let him down as he took to the air. Keeping as low as the terrain would allow, Doolittle guided his plane toward his target. Japanese air maneuvers were common. Never having seen a B-25 bomber, most of the Japanese residents thought nothing of the planes flying overhead. The crew was low enough to see Japanese citizens waving at them as they passed, apparently unaware. As he closed in on his target, Doolittle raised the plane to 1,200 feet. The four incendiary bombs were released over a large factory in Tokyo. Low on fuel, he headed west toward the coast of China. Doolittle ordered his crew to bail out over the mountains of China. The bomber crashed in Haotianguan, China. Local Chinese helped the crew to Chuchow.

    After the raid: Sergeant Braemer continued to fly B-25s until May of 1943 transferring to the 22nd Bomb Squadron, and then with the 491st Bomb Group. The now Lt. Col. Dick Cole is one of two surviving raiders. He flew approximately 65 missions as a "Hump" pilot in C-47s.

     Crew #2 SN 40-2292

  • Pilot: Lt. T. Hoover
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. W. N. Fitzhugh
  • Navigator: Lt. C. R. Wildner
  • Bombardier: Lt. R. E. Miller
  • Engineer/Gunner: SSgt. D. V. Radney
  • As Lt. Travis Hoover launched off the Hornet, he pulled up hard to get in the air. The bow wash pushed the plane even higher. To keep the B-25 from stalling, he and his co-pilot pushed hard against the controls and the plane appeared to dive toward the waves. Utilizing some great flying skills, Hoover was able to regain control of the aircraft and head toward Japan. Having left just 5 minutes after Lt. Col. Doolittle, they closely followed the first B-25 headed toward Tokyo. Lt. Hoover took is B-25 on it's own course after reaching the outskirts of northern Tokyo. Approaching his target, he increased his altitude to 900 feet and bombed two factory buildings and storehouses near the Sumida River, just outside of Tokyo. The explosions below threw debris a hundred feet above the B-25. Again meeting up with Doolittle, he too headed for China. After losing sight of Doolittle and low on fuel, Lt. Hoover was able to execute a wheels-up landing in a rice paddy near Ningbo, China. At the time, Ningbo was a Japanese occupied area. With the crew unhurt, they set fire to the plane after recovering needed survival gear. The crew walked for three days before they were found by friendly locals and were transported by boat to Sungyao. From there, they traveled to Chunking.

    After the raid: Lieutenant Fitzhugh and Sergeant Radney continued to fly B-25s in the CBI until May of 1943 with the 11th Bomb Group. Lieutenant Wildner was transferred to the 22nd Bomb Squadron and then then to the 491st Bomb Group flying B-25s. Lieutenant Hoover was transferred to the 319th Bomb Group, 440th Bomb Squadron becoming their commanding officer in June of 1942. He flew B-25s until May of 1944 when he started flying P-38s. Lieutenant Hoover would continue to fly 73 combat missions during the war.

     Crew #3 SN 40-2270

  • Pilot: Lt. R. M. Gray
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. J. E. Manch
  • Navigator: Lt. C. J. Ozuk
  • Bombardier: Sgt. A. E. Jones
  • Engineer/Gunner: Cpl. L. D. Faktor
  • The third B-25 to launch from the deck of the Hornet, Lt. R. M. Gray guided his B-25 toward Tokyo. Reaching the coastline due east of Yokohama about 20 minutes after the first two crews had released their bombs. This time delay had allowed the Japanese vital time to recover from the initial shock of the first attacks. The crew of the third B-25 was met with intense flak. They dropped their bombs on their targets in four individual bomb runs. Their targets; a steel mill, chemical factory, and gas company were hit. The only incendiary bomb was dropped in a densely populated small factory district. Heavy smoke blew into the sky. They turned west and utilized the .30 caliber nose gun as they fought their way toward China. They were unable to see the coastline due to the weather conditions as they flew into China. The pilot saw some lights through the clouds and dropped their last two candle bombs in search for a place to land. Unable to find a safe landing area and fuel running out, he ordered the crew to bail out of the B-25. They were flying over a mountainous area of Zhejiang province. During this bail out, Cpl. Leland D. Faktor died as he fell down a cliff. The others landed safely and were escorted to Chuchow over the next few days. Cpl. Faktor was the first casualty of the raid.

    After the raid: Lieutenant Gray and Sergeant Jones would join the 22nd Bomb Squadron and continue to fly B-25s. Lieutenant Manch joined the 11th Bomb Squadron flying B-25s to be joined later by Sergeant Gray. Sergeant Gray was killed in action in October of 1942. Sergeant Jones later transferred to the 490th, continuing to fly B-25s in the CBI.

     Crew #4 SN 40-2282

  • Pilot: Lt. E. W. Holstrom
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. L. N. Youngblood
  • Navigator: Lt. H. C. McCool
  • Bombardier: Sgt. R. J. Stephens
  • Engineer/Gunner: Cpl. B. M. Jordan
  • The fourth bomber to leave the Hornet did so without incident. As they settled in for the long flight to Japan, the gunner decided to test the guns. Corporal Jordan soon learned the turret was unresponsive. Unknown to him, the electrical lead was not connected. The .50 caliber guns would be useless. He also noticed that the left wing tank had developed a leak. This would be an issue on several of the raid modified B-25s. Unbeknownst to the crew, their compass was off by as much as 15 degrees. This caused the bomber to make landfall well south of their intended location. After identifying their location, the map revealed they were 75 miles south of Tokyo. Their intended targets were a clothing depot and powder magazine in northern Tokyo. The crew was aware they were well behind the first group of planes and knew they would not have the element of surprise afforded the previous group. Alternate targets of an oil storage tank farm and troop barracks were chosen. As they headed toward land, they were bet by Japanese bombers and fighters. Low on gas and without usable .50 caliber guns, they decided to outrun their opponents. Taking fire from the Japanese fighters, they dropped to 75 feet, disarmed their bombs, and dropped them into the water below. They raced toward China and bailed out over land. All crew found their way to safety.

    After the raid: Lieutenants Holstrom and Youngblood would transfer to the 11th Bomb Squadron continuing to fly B-25s in the CBI. The remaining 3 crew would transfer to the 22nd Bomb Squadron. Lieutenant McCool would fly 13 missions in B-25s. Sergeant Stephens flew 33 missions with the 22nd and later the 11th Bomb Squadrons. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart in May of 1943. Corporal Jordan would later transfer to the 490th Bomb Squadron.

     Crew #5 SN 40-2283

  • Pilot: Capt. D. M. Jones
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. R. Wilder
  • Navigator: Lt. E. F. McGurl
  • Bombardier: Lt. D. V. Truelove
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. J. W. Manske
  • Shortly after launching from the Hornet, the crew of the fifth B-25 headed due west toward Tokyo. Captain Jones asked his engineer for a report on fuel. He realized his B-25 Mitchell was short thirty gallons of fuel in her left rear tank. At that point, they knew they did not have enough fuel to reach their final destination. Reaching shore just north of the Inubo Saki lighthouse, they were surprised to not face opposition. For the next 20 minutes, they struggled to determine their location. Locating Tokyo Bay, they were able to determine their location. With fuel running low, the decided they could not make their primary targets including an armory east of the Imperial Palace. They chose alternate targets of what appeared to be a brick power plant and an oil tank. After bombing these targets, they identified a large two story factory that looked very similar to the North American Aviation plant in Inglewood, California. They bombed that as well and headed for their last target increasing their speed. After almost missing their last target, they headed toward China on instruments and bailed out near Chuhsien as fuel ran low. All crew found their way to safety.

    After the raid: Lieutenant McGurl was killed in action on June 3, 1942 when his plane crashed into mountain after bombing targets in Lashio, Burma. Captain Jones was assigned as acting commander of the 319th Bomb Group on November 20, 1942. He was later assigned as the commander of the 438th Bomb Squadron in North Africa flying the B-26. He was shot down over Bizerte, Lybia and was captured. He was liberated in April of 1945.

     Crew #6 SN 40-2298

  • Pilot: Lt. D. E. Hallmark
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. J. Meder
  • Navigator: Lt. C. J. Nielsen
  • Bombardier: Sgt. W. J. Dieter
  • Engineer/Gunner: Cpl. D. E. Fitzmaurice
  • By the time the sixth B-25 was launched off the Hornet, it was becoming almost a routine. As Lt. Hallmark guided his ship toward Tokyo, the crew again marveled at the lack of opposition they initially faced. The peaceful flight was interrupted by heavy flack as they closed in on their targets. One of the Plexiglas windows near the co-pilot was shattered by flack as they rose up to 1,500 feet. Japanese planes were seen overhead at about 10,000 feet. Their targets were the steel mills and foundries in the northeastern corner of Tokyo. These targets were large and should be easy to hit. They indeed were. Their total time over target was just three minutes and they too headed toward China. As they headed toward China, fuel became an issue. The pilot was forced to ditch the plane in the water within sight of the China coast. Sergeant Dieter and Cpl. Fitzmaurice both drowned. Lieutenant Hallmark was also injured but was able to make it to the shore with the other two survivors. The next day, they buried the two men who were lost and tried to reach safety. All three men were captured and interred as Prisoners of War. Lieutenant Hallmark was executed by the Japanese. Lieutenant Meder would later die in a prison camp. Of the five crew members, only Lt. Nielsen would survive the war.

     Crew #7 SN 40-2261

  • Pilot: Lt. T. W. Lawson
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. D. Davenport
  • Navigator: Lt. C. L. McClure
  • Bombardier: Lt. R. S. Clever
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. D. J. Thatcher
  • The crew of the seventh B-25 Mitchell prepared to launch off the Hornet. As part of his pre-flight checks, Lt. Lawson had had tested the flaps. In his rush, he failed to lower them prior to launch. This mistake became apparent as they disappeared below the bow of the ship. They fought the plane just above the waves as they coaxed the B-25 into steady flight. The crew buzzed a Japanese merchant ship and joked about bombing it. Gunner Sgt. Thatcher also fired up the turret to verify it was working correctly. As they reached the coast, it is interesting to note they were in awe by the beauty of the countryside. As many of the previous crews noted, the general public seemed unaware they were the enemy. As they buzzed through town, the sight of a Japanese flag waving above a school brought their focus back to the task at hand. As they approached Tokyo, they encountered six Japanese fighters racing toward them. One fighter peeled off and started to dive. The crew took the B-25 down to 15 feet and lost sight of the group. They soon saw several large fires, evidence of the success of the crews that had preceded them. They pulled up to 1,400 feet as they entered the flack. Their initial target was the Nippon Machine Works, but they instead targeted a large factory. After they dropped all of their bombs, they headed toward China. As fuel ran low, the crew saw a sandy beach. Estimating they had enough fuel, Lt. Lawson flew low across the beach to assess for landing. He brought the bomber back around and lowered the flaps and wheels. Just a quarter mile from the shore, the engines died and the plane when into the water near the Zhejiang Province. Four of the five men were seriously injured and all were immediately found by two local fishermen. They were taken to a local hospital and had their wounds dressed. Hearing of their medical issues, Lt. T. R. White, M.D. rushed to their location. He would eventually perform a field amputation of the left leg of Lt. Lawson. All would return to the United States after recovery. Sergeant Thatcher is currently one of two surviving raiders

     Crew #8 SN 40-2242

  • Pilot: Capt. E. J. York
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. G. Emmens
  • Navigator: Lt. N. A. Herndon
  • Bombardier: SSgt. T. H. Laban
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. D. W. Pohl
  • Captain York successfully pulled his B-25 off the flight deck of the Hornet. It should be noted here that Emmens was not present at Eglin Field for the short take off training. He did receive some instruction from Lt. Miller, but there is conflicting information on whether he actually performed a simulated launch using the short take off technique. This bomber most likely was the one that had the carburetors adjusted at McClellan as calculations show she burned an average of 98 gallons per hour. This was far more than the 72 gallons per hour expected from the other B-25s. Reaching the Japanese coast, they flew over what appeared to be an internment camp. Their destination was to be an aircraft engine manufacturing plant on the south side of Tokyo. After flying over land for more than 30 minutes, they started looking for another target. They soon located what appeared to be a power plant. Pulling up to 1,500 feet, they opened the bomb bay doors and released their bombs. Knowing they would not make China, they made the decision to fly toward Vladivostok, Russia. They landed in a field near their destination in hopes of refueling and continuing to China. This B-25 would be the only one to make a wheels-up landing. The crew would be interred for 13 months by the Soviets before escaping into Persia. The B-25 was confiscated and it's fate is unknown.

     Crew #9 SN 40-2303

  • Pilot: Lt. H. F. Watson
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. J. M. Parker Jr.
  • Navigator: Lt. T. C. Griffin
  • Bombardier: Sgt. W. M. Bissell
  • Engineer/Gunner: Tsgt. E. V. Scott
  • The ninth crew to launch from the Hornet did so without any issues. During the long flight to the coast, their turret tank started leaking. To save as much fuel as possible, fuel was transferred as quickly as possible out of that tank. They flew straight to the coast, arriving just 35 miles north of Tokyo. They were able to see the fires and devastation caused by earlier bomb runs. They encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire as they flew through Tokyo. At some point, a reporter on the ground was able to photograph their flight. This photo would appear in the following morning's paper. Their target, the Kawasaki Truck and Tank plant was soon located and bombed. As they completed their bomb run, a Japanese Zero targeted the B-25 and opened fire. Gunner Tsgt. Scott opened fire on the Zero. As he continued to fire, his sight fogged up. The fighter fell off his left wing and disappeared. Lieutenant Watson turned his B-25 toward China. Three hours out of Tokyo, they spotted two Japanese cruisers and a battleship. One of the cruisers opened fire nearly hitting the B-25. Approximately 100 miles south of Pyong Lake and fuel running low, the crew bailed out. While bailing out of his plane, Lt. Watson was injured. The crew was found and he was taken to Hengyang. He eventually returned to the United States and remained hospitalized until the summer of 1944.

    After the raid: Lieutenant Griffin would be assigned to the 319th Bomb Group, 440th Bomb Squadron flying B-26s. He was shot down on July 3, 1943 over Gerbini, Sicily and taken prisoner. He was a P.O.W. until the end of the war.

     Crew #10 SN 40-2250

  • Pilot: Lt. R. O. Joyce
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. J. R. Stork
  • Navigator/Bombardier: Lt. H. E. Crouch
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. G. E. Larkin Jr.
  • Gunner: SSgt. E. W. Horton Jr.
  • Pilot Lt. Joyce expected some opposition flying to Japan and chose to fly at a higher altitude than previous crews. His target would be the Japan Special Steel Company plants and warehouses in the southern end of Tokyo. As he headed past Tokyo Bay, the Yokosuka naval base opened fire. Passing through without issues, the crew released their bombs on their target. After their bomb run, the flack continued. One shell exploded close to the Mitchell and ripped an 8 inch hole in the fuselage. This would be the only significant damage caused by the Japanese on the raid. Nine enemy fighters tracked the B-25 with two immediately attacking. Lieutenant Joyce pushed the stick forward and dove under the fighters. The dramatic increase in speed and steep dive caused the ammo to tangle in the turret. The gunner struggled to bring the .50 caliber machine guns back into service as Lt. Joyce evaded the enemy fighters. Once the B-25 was able to return fire, they were able to outpace their enemy and lose them in the clouds. The crew turned their attention to making the China coast. Running low on fuel, they safely bailed out and reached Chuhsien within 4 days. The entire crew would remain in China flying B-25s well into 1943.

    After the raid: With the exception of Lieutenant Stork, the entire crew would be assigned to the 11th Bomb Squadron flying B-25s in the CBI.

     Crew #11 SN 40-2249

  • Pilot: Capt. C. R. Greening
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. K. E. Reddy
  • Navigator: Lt. F. A. Kappeler
  • Bombardier: SSgt. W. L. Birch
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. M. J. Gardner
  • The eleventh B-25 to launch off the Hornet was the first bomber of the fourth wave. The remaining B-25s would target areas outside of the Japanese capital. Flying towards Japan, the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth bombers flew close together until they reached the coast. Captain Greening brought his B-25 ashore northeast of Tokyo. The crew was flying across Kasumigaura Lake when four Japanese fighters attacked. Sergeant Gardner let loose from the turret and brought two fighters down. One of the fighters was on fire, but neither were seen to hit the ground. The other fighters backed off until the turret jammed and the motor burned out. Smoke filled the back of the B-25 as Capt. Greening evaded the remaining fighters. One of the fighters landed about fifteen hits on the B-25. Under attack from the Japanese, Capt. Greening knew he could not make his original target, an oil refinery in Yokohama. Ahead, they saw what appeared to be refinery pipelines and tanks camouflaged by thatched roofs. Pulling up to just 600 feet, SSgt. Birch released their bombs on target. The explosions rocked the bomber causing both the pilot and co-pilot to hit their head on the top of the cockpit. Lieutenant Reddy would suffer a cut on his head. Outrunning their opposition, they headed toward China. Over the East China Sea, the crew spotted a Japanese picket boat and opened fire. Reaching China, the crew headed as far inland as they could with the fuel they had. Running low on fuel, Captain Greening ordered his crew to bail out in a mountainous area that bordered the Zhejian and Anhui provinces. Bailing out, Sergeant Gardner sprained both ankles. The entire crew made it safely to Chuhsien.

    After the raid: Lieutenant Kappeler was assigned to the 22nd Bomb Squadron flying B-25s. On June 2, 1942, Sergeant Gardner was killed in action after bombing mission on Lashio, Burma. Captain Greening rejoined the 17th Bomb Group, 95th Bomb Squadron now flying B-26s. He was shot down on July 17, 1943 over Naples, Italy and was captured. He was a P.O.W. until the end of the war.

     Crew #12 SN 40-2278

  • Pilot: Lt. W. M. Bower
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. T. Blanton
  • Navigator: Lt. W. R. Pound Jr.
  • Bombardier: TSgt. W. J. Bither
  • Engineer/Gunner: SSgt. O. A. Duquette
  • Lieutenant Bower brought his B-25 ashore just north of Choshi, due east of Tokyo. Their navigator struggled to find their location as they zig-zagged down the shoreline. The pilot, Lt. Bower chose to fly as low as possible across the countryside. He wrote in his diary that he " became a busy boy trying to harvest the rice crop for the natives". The initial target for this crew was the Yokohama dockyards. Arriving at their target, they noticed barrage balloons completely encircling the dockyards. Reacting quickly, they located what appeared to be an oil refinery. After dropping all their bombs, Lt. Bower dove as low as he could fly and headed toward China. On their flight to China, they strafed a Japanese weather boat, sinking it. Flying as far inland as possible with the fuel on board, they bailed out over China. Sergeant Duquette broke his foot when he landed on the ground. The entire crew was located by local Chinese and met up with the crew of plane #10 on their journey to Chuhsien.

    After the raid: Sergeant Duquette was assigned to the 11th Bomb Squadron flying B-25s. He was killed on June 3, 1942 when his plane crashed after bombing Lashio, Burma. Lieutenant Blanton was initially assigned to the 22nd and later the 491st Bomb Squadrons. Lieutenant Bower was assigned to the 310th Bomb Group, 428th Bomb Squadron flying B-26s. He was the squadron commander of the 428th through September of 1945.

     Crew #13 SN 40-2247

  • Pilot: Lt. E. E. McElroy
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. A. Knobloch
  • Navigator: Lt. C. J. Campbell
  • Bombardier: Sgt. R. C. Burgeois
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. A. R. Williams
  • The launch of the thirteenth bomber from the Hornet was uneventful as was the flight to Japan. When they reached the coast, they discovered they were about 50 miles north of their intended landfall. Lieutenant McElroy headed back out to sea as he turned south to his destination, the Yokosuka Naval Base. The crew identified the submarine tender Taigei being converted into a carrier in the dry docks. Lieutenant McElroy pulled up to 1,300 feet as the bombardier set his sights. The damage they would inflict on the Taigei would set back the conversion of that ship for another 4 months. The co-pilot had purchased a camera at the Sacramento Air Depot. He and the navigator took several pictures that survived the raid. After a successful bombing run, Lt. McElroy turned his B-25 toward China. Running out of fuel over China, the crew bailed out. They made their way to Chuhsien three days later. The entire crew stayed in the theater for the next year.

    After the raid: Lieutenant Campbell and Sergeant Williams would transfer to the 11th Bomb Squadron flying B-25s in the CBI. The remaining 3 would transfer to the 22nd Bomb Squadron. Lieutenant McElroy and Sergeant Burgeois would later transfer to the 491st Bomb Squadron and continue to fly B-25s. Lieutenant Knobloch would later transfer to the 490th Bomb Squadron.

     Crew #14 SN 40-2297

  • Pilot: Maj. J. A. Hilger
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. J. A. Sims
  • Navigator/Bombardier: Lt. J. H. Macia Jr.
  • Radio/Gunner: SSgt. E. V. Bain
  • Engineer/Gunner: SSgt. J. Eierman
  • Major Hilger took to this mission from a more personal perspective. The Japanese had recently sank the destroyer "Pillsbury" with his younger brother on board. His launch from the Hornet went without issue. Lieutenant Smith, pilot of the fifteenth B-25 to launch, caught up to Major Hilger and the two headed toward the Japanese coast. The two separated as Major Hilger banked southwest headed toward Nagoya Bay. The crew had selected several targets in Nagoya. As they headed for their first, antiaircraft batteries opened fire. The first target was the army barracks. Dropping their first bomb, they headed to the oil and gasoline storage warehouses. They bombed the largest building in that cluster and then bombed the arsenal. The last target was the Mitsubishi Aircraft Works. Sergeant Bain dropped their last bomb dead center of the building. As they headed out of Nagoya, they fired on tow oil storage tanks. Major Hilger turned his bomber toward China and headed back out to sea. Running low on fuel, Major Hilger ordered his crew to bail out over China. All were unhurt and reached safety within two days.

     Crew #15 SN 40-2267

  • Pilot: Lt. D. G. Smith
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. G. P. Williams
  • Navigator/Bombardier: Lt. H. A. Sessler
  • Flight Surgeon/Gunner: Lt. T. R. White MD
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. E. J. Saylor
  • Lieutenant Smith would launch off the Hornet and catch up to Major Hilger and his B-25 on their long flight to Japan. They were listening to Japanese radio station JOAK when an alarm interrupted the broadcast about 1:25 pm. They could not understand what was being said, but it sounded as if the announcer was shouting about three words. This would be repeated about 10 times before the station went silent. The crew then knew the raid had begun. Reaching Nagoya Bay, Lieutenant Smith headed toward Nagoya with no opposition. Lieutenant Sessler spotted the steel foundries and the bombing run would begin. After unloading their first bomb on the steel foundries, the second targeted the Kawasaki Dockyard Company. Their third bomb fell just west of the Electric Machinery Works. Their final bomb targeted the Kawasaki aircraft factory. As they completed their bomb run, the antiaircraft batteries opened up. Lieutenant Smith turned his bomber toward China. As he reached the China coast, he saw the mountain peaks of the Tantou Mountain island near the Zhejian Province. Without enough fuel to clear the mountain, Lt. Smith chose to ditch the plane off the coast near Sangchow. All crew members left the plane before it sank safely. Doc White tried in vain to locate his medicine box, but was able to recover a surgical instrument box. The crew was assisted by Ma Liang Shui, a local fisherman. He gave the crew clothing and helped them through a Japanese blockade to safety. When Doc White heard of the injuries to to Lt. Lawson, he rushed to his location to assist with his care. With the supplies recovered from their crashed B-25 Doc White was able to perform a field amputation on Lt. Lawson to save his live. Years later, Doc would regret his inability to find the medicine box. With the vital medications inside, Doc may have been able to save Lt. Lawson's leg.

     Crew #16 SN 40-2268

  • Pilot: Lt. W. G. Farrow
  • Co-Pilot: Lt. R. L. Hite
  • Navigator: Lt. T. Barr
  • Bombardier: Cpl. J. DeShazer
  • Engineer/Gunner: Sgt. H. A. Spatz
  • The troubles for the last B-25 to launch started while still on the Hornet. Seaman First Class Robert Wall stumbled into the propeller of the left prop during engine warm-up. His arm would later be amputated. While moving the aircraft around in the strong winds, a hole was punched in the nose of their B-25 by the back of the fifteenth bomber. This would serve as an ominous warning for the crew. Lieutenant Farrow continued his flight toward Japan. He flew as low as he could until he spotted Japanese fighters. Raising his altitude to seven thousand feet, they hid in the clouds headed toward Nagoya. Reaching their target, they dove through the clouds and targeted an oil refinery below. One of their bombs hit the number 3 tank at the Toho Gas Company. Their final target was Nagoya Aeronautical Manufacturing, the plant that made the Zero fighter. They hit their target, though damage was light. Lieutenant Farrow turned west and headed to China. They were close to enemy territory over Nangchang city when they were forced to bail out due to low fuel. All of the crew were captured before noon. Both Lt. Farrow and Sgt. Spatz were executed by the Japanese. The remaining three were held as P.O.W.s for the rest of the war.

    Photo Collection on the historic Doolittle raid on Japan 18th June 1942

    Naval History and Heritage Command

    Title: NH 53296 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Army Air Forces B-25B bombers parked on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while en route to the mission's launching point. The plane in the upper right is tail # 40-2242, mission plane # 8, piloted by Captain Edward J. York. Note use of the flight deck tie-down strips to secure the aircraft. Location is near the forward edge of the midships aircraft elevator. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53296
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53296.html

    Title: 80-G-324218 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: USS Fanning (DD-385) escorting USS Enterprise (CV-6) on the day the Doolittle Raid aircraft were launched, 18 April 1942. Photographed from USS Salt Lake City (CA-25). Destroyer in the background, headed toward the left, is USS Balch (DD-363), flagship of Destroyer Squadron Six. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-324218
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-320000/80-G-324218.html

    Title: 80-G-330659 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: USS Sabine (AO-25) refuels USS Enterprise (CV-6) in rough weather, during the approach phase of the mission, 17 April 1942. Note configuration of refueling gear, and spare anchor stowed on the oiler's after superstructure bulkhead. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-330659
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-330000/80-G-330659.html

    Title: 80-G-41190 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, USAAF (left front), leader of the raiding force, talks with Captain Marc A. Mitscher, USN, Commanding Officer of USS Hornet (CV-8), on board Hornet sometime before the 18 April 1942 launch of the raiding airplanes. Members of the Army Air Forces flight crews, and the wing of one of their B-25B bombers, are in the background. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-41190
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-40000/80-G-41190.html

    Title: 80-G-41191 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, USAAF (front), leader of the raiding force, wires a Japanese medal to a 500-pound bomb, during ceremonies on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), shortly before his force of sixteen B-25B bombers took off for Japan. The planes were launched on 18 April 1942. The wartime censor has obscurred unit patches of the Air Force flight crew members in the background. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-41191
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-40000/80-G-41191.html

    Title: 80-G-41196 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: An Army Air Force B-25B bomber takes off from USS Hornet (CV-8) at the start of the raid, 18 April 1942. Note men watching from the signal lamp platform at right. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-41196
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-40000/80-G-41196.html

    Title: 80-G-41197 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: USS Hornet (CV-8) launches Army Air Force B-25B bombers, at the start of the first U.S. air raid on the Japanese home islands, 18 April 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-41197
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-40000/80-G-41197.html

    Title: 80-G-324232 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: USS Fanning (DD-385) maneuvers near USS Enterprise (CV-6) on the day the Doolittle Raid aircraft were launched, 18 April 1942. Photographed from USS Salt Lake City (CA-25). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.
    Catalog #: 80-G-324232
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/80-g/80-G-320000/80-G-324232.html

    Title: NH 53288 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Navy blimp L-8 approaches USS Hornet (CV-8) to deliver parts for the mission's B-25B aircraft. Taken shortly after the ship left San Francisco to begin the operation, circa 4 April 1942. Note package hanging below the airship. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53288
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53288.html

    Title: NH 53289 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: View looking aft from the island of USS Hornet (CV-8), while en route to the mission's launching point. USS Gwin (DD-433) is coming alongside, as USS Nashville (CL-43) steams in the distance. Eight of the mission's sixteen B-25B bombers are parked within view, as are two of the ship's SBD scout bombers. Note midships elevator, torpedo elevator, arresting gear and flight deck barriers in the lower portion of the photo, and 1.1 quad anti-aircraft machine gun mount at left. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53289
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53289.html

    Title: NH 53291 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Crewmen work on a USAAF B-25B parked at the rear of USS Hornet's (CV-8) flight deck, while en route to the mission's launching point. USS Gwin (DD-433) is in the center, approaching the carrier from astern. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53291
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53291.html

    Title: NH 53292 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USS Gwin (DD-433) approaches USS Hornet (CV-8) from astern, with USS Nashville (CL-43) beyond, while en route to the mission's launching point. The ships are framed by the tail of a USAAF B-25B, parked on the rear of the carrier's flight deck. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53292
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53292.html

    Title: NH 53293 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: View looking aft and to port from the island of USS Hornet (CV-8), while en route to the mission's launching point. USS Vincennes (CA-44) is in the distance. Several of the mission's sixteen B-25B bombers are visible. That in the foreground is tail # 40-2261, which was mission plane # 7, piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Ted W. Lawson. The next plane is tail # 40-2242, mission plane # 8, piloted by Captain Edward J. York. Both aircraft attacked targets in the Tokyo area. Lt. Lawson later wrote the book Thirty Seconds over Tokyo. Note searchlight at left. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53293
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53293.html

    Title: NH 53294 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Navy blimp L-8 hovers over USS Hornet (CV-8) while delivering parts for the mission's U.S. Army Air Force aircraft. Taken shortly after the ship left San Francisco to begin the operation, circa 4 April 1942. Note USAAF B-25B bomber parked on the flight deck. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53294
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53294.html

    Title: NH 53295 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Some of the mission's B-25B bombers parked on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while en route to the raid's takeoff point. Note use of the flight deck tie-down strips to secure the aircraft. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53295
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53295.html

    Title: NH 53296 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: Army Air Forces B-25B bombers parked on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while en route to the mission's launching point. The plane in the upper right is tail # 40-2242, mission plane # 8, piloted by Captain Edward J. York. Note use of the flight deck tie-down strips to secure the aircraft. Location is near the forward edge of the midships aircraft elevator. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53296
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53296.html

    Title: NH 53419 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: A USAAF B-25B bomber flies over USS Hornet (CV-8) while on its way to attack targets in Japan, just after it was launched on the morning of 18 April 1942. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53419
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53419.html

    Title: NH 53422 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USAAF B-25B bombers and Navy F4F-3 fighters on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while she was en route to the mission's launching point. Note wooden dummy machine guns in the tail cone of the B-25 at left. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53422
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53422.html

    Title: NH 53423 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USAAF aircrewmen preparing .50 caliber machine gun ammunition on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while the carrier was steaming toward the mission's launching point. Three of their B-25B bombers are visible. That in the upper left is tail #s 40-2298, mission plane # 6, piloted by Lieutenant Dean E. Hallmark. That in top center is tail # 40-2283. It was mission plane # 5, piloted by Captain David M. Jones. Both attacked targets in the Tokyo area. Lt. Hallmark, captured by the Japanese in China, was executed by them at Shanghai on 15 October 1942. Note the open flight deck bomb elevator in the upper right. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53423
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53423.html

    Title: NH 53424 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USAAF aircrewmen preparing .50 caliber machine gun ammunition on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while the carrier was steaming toward the mission's launching point. Ammunition box in center is marked A.P. M2, Incndy. M1, Trcr. M1, indicating the ammunition types inside: armor piercing, incendiary and tracer. Note wooden flight deck planking, with metal aircraft tiedown strips in place of every eighth plank. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53424
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53424.html

    Title: NH 53425 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USAAF B-25B bombers tied down on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while the carrier was en route to the mission's launching point. The plane in the center (second from the camera) is tail # 40-2283. It was mission plane # 5, piloted by Captain David M. Jones, which attacked targets in the Tokyo area. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53425
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53425.html

    Title: NH 53426 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: USAAF B-25B bombers tied down on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), while the carrier was en route to the mission's launching point. View looks aft from the rear of Hornet's island. The plane in the foreground is tail # 40-2203 (mission plane # 9). Partially visible at far right is tail # 40-2250 (mission plane # 10). Piloted respectively by Second Lieutenants Harold F. Watson and Richard O. Joyce, these B-25s attacked targets in the Tokyo area. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 53426
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-53000/NH-53426.html

    Title: NH 64472 Doolittle Raid on Japan, 18 April 1942
    Description: 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. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.
    Catalog #: NH 64472
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-64000/NH-64472.html

    Title: USAF K-104 Brigadier General James H. Doolittle, USAAF
    Description: Points to Tokyo on a World globe, sometime after his return to the United States following his April 1942 bombing mission against Japan. Official U.S. Air Force Photograph.
    Catalog #: USAF K-104
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nara-series/misc-series/USAF-K-104.html

    Title: NH 97500 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: USS Nashville (CL-43) firing her 6/47 main battery guns at a Japanese picket boat encountered by the raid task force, 18 April 1942. Photographed from USS Salt Lake City (CA-25). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    Catalog #: NH 97500
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-97000/NH-97500.html

    Title: NH 97501 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: Nose art on B-25B Hari Carrier (USAAF serial # 40-2249), photographed while the plane was parked on board USS Hornet (CV-8), en route to the raid launching point. This aircraft was mission plane # 11, piloted by Captain C. Ross Greening. It attacked targets in the Yokohama area on 18 April 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    Catalog #: NH 97501
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-97000/NH-97501.html

    Title: NH 97502 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, USAAF, (center) with members of his flight crew and Chinese officials in China after the 18 April 1942 attack on Japan. Those present are (from left to right): Staff Sergeant Fred A. Braemer, Bombardier; Staff Sergeant Paul J. Leonard, Flight Engineer/Gunner; General Ho, director of the Branch Government of Western Chekiang Province; Lieutenant Richard E. Cole, Copilot; Lt.Col. Doolittle, Pilot and mission commander; Henry H. Shen, bank manager; Lieutenant Henry A. Potter, Navigator; Chao Foo Ki, secretary of the Western Chekiang Province Branch Government. Official U.S. Army Air Forces Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    Catalog #: NH 97502
    https://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-97000/NH-97502.html

    Title: NH 97502 Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942
    Description: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, USAAF, (center) with members of his flight crew and Chinese officials in China after the 18 April 1942 attack on Japan. Those present are (from left to right): Staff Sergeant Fred A. Braemer, Bombardier; Staff Sergeant Paul J. Leonard, Flight Engineer/Gunner; General Ho, director of the Branch Government of Western Chekiang Province; Lieutenant Richard E. Cole, Copilot; Lt.Col. Doolittle, Pilot and mission commander; Henry H. Shen, bank manager; Lieutenant Henry A. Potter, Navigator; Chao Foo Ki, secretary of the Western Chekiang Province Branch Government. Official U.S. Army Air Forces Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
    Catalog #: NH 97502
    https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-97000/NH-97502.html

    USS HORNET (CV-8)
    https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/08.htm

    April 18, 1942 photo shows the Hornet encountering rough seas while preparing to launch B-25 bombers for the Doolittle Raid on Japan. The cruiser on her port is the USS Vincennes (CA-44). Both ships were transferred from the Atlantic Fleet specifically for the Doolittle Raid.
    https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/020806b.jpg

    A U.S. Army Air Force B-25B Mitchell medium bomber, one of 16 involved in the Doolittle Raid, takes off from the flight deck of USS Hornet for an air raid on Japan, 18 April 1942. U.S. Army Air Force photo, VIRIN: 420418-O-ZZ999-001.
    https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/020846e.jpg

    B-25B Mitchell (40-2344), 37th Bombardment Squadron, piloted by Lieutenant-Colonel Jimmy Doolittle taking off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8).
    https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/020807b.jpg

    The aircraft carriers USS Hornet (CV-8), foreground, and USS Enterprise (CV-6), eastward bound after launching the Doolittle raid on Japan, 18 April 1942. Hornet's air group has already been respotted on the flight deck in this photo, taken from the heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CA-25). Official US Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-324201.
    https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/020846d.jpg

    Conceived in January 1942 in the wake of the devastating Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the “joint Army-Navy bombing project” was to bomb Japanese industrial centers, to inflict both “material and psychological” damage upon the enemy. Planners hoped that the former would include the destruction of specific targets “with ensuing confusion and retardation of production.” Those who planned the attacks on the Japanese homeland hoped to induce the enemy to recall “combat equipment from other theaters for home defense,” and incite a “fear complex in Japan.” Additionally, it was hoped that the prosecution of the raid would improve the United States’ relationships with its allies and receive a “favorable reaction [on the part] of the American people.”

    Originally, the concept called for the use of U.S. Army Air Force bombers to be launched from, and recovered by, an aircraft carrier. Research disclosed the North American B-25 Mitchell to be “best suited to the purpose,” the Martin B-26 Marauder possessing unsuitable handling characteristics and the Douglas B-23 Dragon having too great a wingspan to be comfortably operated from a carrier deck. Tests off the aircraft carrier Hornet (CV-8) off Norfolk, and ashore at Norfolk soon proved that while a B-25 could take off with comparative ease, “landing back on again would be extremely difficult.”

    The attack planners decided upon a carrier transporting the B-25s to a point east of Tokyo, whereupon she would launch one pathfinder to proceed ahead and drop incendiaries to blaze a trail for the other bombers that would follow. The planes would then proceed to either the east coast of China or to Vladivostok in the Soviet Union. However, Soviet reluctance to allow the use of Vladivostok as a terminus and the Stalin regime’s unwillingness to provoke Japan compelled the selection of Chinese landing sites. At a secret conference at San Francisco, Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, USAAF, who would lead the attack personally, met with Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., who would command the task force that would take Doolittle’s aircraft to the very gates of the empire. They agreed upon a launch point some 600 miles due east from Tokyo, but, if discovered, Task Force 16 (TF-16) would launch planes at that point and retire.

    Twenty-four planes drawn from the 17th Bombardment Group, USAAF, were prepared for the mission, with additional fuel tanks installed and “certain unnecessary equipment” removed. Intensive training began in early March 1942 with crews who had volunteered for a mission that would be “extremely hazardous, would require a high degree of skill and would be of great value to our defense effort.” Crews practiced intensive cross-country flying, night flying, and navigation, as well as “low altitude approaches to bombing targets, rapid bombing and evasive action.”

    Lieutenant Henry L. Miller, USN, oversaw the carrier take-off practice at Eglin Field, Florida, work that elicited praise from Doolittle for Miller’s “tact, skill and devotion to duty.” With everything not deemed essential stripped from the planes, Hornet loaded 16 B-25s (all that could be shipped) on board at Alameda (31 March–1 April 1942) and sailed to rendezvous with the carrier Enterprise (CV-6) to form part of Halsey’s TF-16.

    Doolittle Raid - 18 April 1942

    This report was submitted by then-Vice Admiral William F. Halsey, Commander of the Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, and Commander of Task Force 16 which delivered the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Enterprise was Halsey's flagship during the Raid, as it was during the first six months of the war.


    A16-3

    Serial 0019
    UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
    FLAGSHIP OF COMMANDER CARRIERS


    At Sea, 24 April 1942.
    S-E-C-R-E-T 1st endorsement on
    CO ENTERPRISE Serial
    088 of 23 April 1942.
     
     
    From:Commander Carriers, Pacific Fleet
    (Commander Task Force SIXTEEN).
    To  :Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
     
    Subject:Report of action in connection with the bombing of Tokyo on April 18, 1942 (Zone minus Ten).
     
    1. The basic letter and enclosures are herewith reclassified as SECRET.
    2. The report of the Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, is in general concurred in. Specific comments follow:
      1. After fueling of the heavy ships on 17 April, these ships (carriers and cruisers) proceeded west without destroyers and oilers in order to permit high speed operations. Fuel conservation for destroyers was another consideration. High winds and heavy sea conditions prevailed. The destroyers rejoined the morning following the attack (19th) and the oilers (with destroyer escort) two days later (21st).
      2. The necessity for launching the Army planes at 0820 on the 18th about 650 miles east of Tokyo was regrettable. The plan was to close to the 500 mile circle and there launch one plane to attack at dusk and this provide a target for the remaining planes which would strike about two hours later. This plan was evolved by Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle, in command of the Army flight, and was designed to inflict the greatest damage with the least risk. The remote location of the desired terminus for the flight was also a factor influencing the selection of this plan of attack. However, contacts with enemy surface vessels early in the morning compromised the secrecy of the operation, and after the third contact, at 0744, the decision was made to launch. Japanese radio traffic was intercepted indicating that the presence of the raiding force was reported. The prime consideration then was the launching of the Army planes before the arrival of Japanese bombers.
      3. The successful launching of the 16 Army bombers from the HORNET in unfavorable wind and sea conditions reflected great credit on the Army pilots and on the Commanding Officer of the HORNET.
      4. The amount of damage inflicted on enemy patrol vessels by the ENTERPRISE aircraft, in consideration of the number of attacks made, was disappointing. It is again indicated that more time must be available for training when air groups are at shore bases. This need is becoming more emphatic as time goes on.
      5. The number of Japanese patrol vessels encountered at such distance from Japan was astounding. From positions in which found it was indicated that they probably operate in pairs and have mother ships to provide services. It is suggested that the prisoners captured by the NASHVILLE are interrogated with an effort to obtain information on the operations and locations of these craft. It is noteworthy that, contrary to popular belief, these prisoners showed the white flag and chose surrender rather than suffer the consequences.
      6. The comment in the basic report that the two patrol vessels attacked about 1400, on the 18th, were apparently the same vessels reported by radar at 0310, is not concurred in. The range at which one of the vessels sighted at 0310 disappeared from the radar screen (27,000 yards) indicated larger vessels, possibly mother ships carrying supplies and relief crews for the picket vessels.
      7. Enroute westward the Task Force proceeded northwest about thirty miles west of Nihoa Island. It is suggested that this and other isolated islands of the Hawaiian group be investigated for enemy agents.
      8. The opinion that the patrol and picket vessels are armed only with small caliber automatic weapons is concurred in insofar as those contacted are concerned.
      9. Limited range and endurance of F4F-4 type carrier VF is a serious defect in these new planes. Action looking to improvement in this regard has been initiated by dispatch, copy to Commander-in_Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
      10. COMMUNICATIONS
        1. Radio silence was maintained on all circuits until return to the Hawaiian Area, with the following exceptions:
          1. Radar, YE, and TBS frequencies.
          2. 6-B-17 transmitted a contact report on 6540 kcs at 1240 (L.E.T.) on the 18th.
          3. Various fighter direction transmissions on 6970 kcs during the period 1250 to 1340 (L.E.T.) on the 18th.
          4. Transmitted Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 180825 to NPH. Several transmissions incidental to a lost plane were made on 6540 kcs during the period 0900 - 1100 (L.E.T.) on the 21st. Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 230541 was transmitted to NPH on the 23rd.
        2. A strong continuous signal, believed to be enemy interference was heard on 6970, 6835, and 6540 kcs during the period 1254 - 1351 (L.E.T.) on the 18th. This was a CW signal and therefore did not seriously interfere with fighter direction communications.
        3. Definite enemy interference was experienced when an attempt was made to transmit Commander Task Force SIXTEEN dispatch 180825 to NPH on 12795 and 12705 kcs. Each time the operator started to transmit on these frequencies, an unknown station would start sending Japanese characters. The dispatch was finally delivered to NPH on 16400 at 0847 (G.C.T.) without interference.
        4. Need for ultra-high frequency equipment for fighter direction is emphasized with each operation of carriers in wartime. Dispatch action has been initiated, copy to Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
    3. Reports from other units of the Task Force will be forwarded when received.
    W. F. HALSEY

    DECORATIONS - Task Force 16 Citation

    Until a few years ago, one of the most famous yet least officially recognized feats of daring of the Pacific War was the Doolittle Raid of April 1942. On April 18, 1942, sixteen Army Air Force B-25 medium bombers under the command of Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, streaked in low over Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and other cities on the Japanese home islands, and dropped some 16 tons of bombs on a variety of military and industrial targets. While the bombing itself was too small to have any lasting military impact, its moral and psychological impact was tremendous, on both sides of the ocean. Americans, angry and down after four months of defeat - culminating in the fall of Bataan on April 8 - thrilled at word that finally the Japanese had been hit where they lived. And the Japanese leadership, alarmed by the vulnerability of the home islands, and the threat to the Emperor, embarked on strategic course which would culminate in the Battle of Midway.

    But where had the planes come from? At first, all President Roosevelt would quip was that they'd flown from "Shangri-La", the fabled paradise of James Hilton's Lost Horizon. Not until May 1943, long after Hornet CV-8 was sunk at the Battle of Santa Cruz, would the veil of secrecy and censorship lift and reveal that Hornet, escorted by sister-ship Enterprise and sixteen cruisers, destroyers, oilers and submarines, had carried the bombers to within 650 miles of the Japanese coast, launching them shortly after 8:00 AM that Saturday morning.

    By that time, however, minds were on other matters, such as the campaigns in the Solomons and on New Guinea. Fifty-three years were to pass before the men and ships of Task Force 16, who carried Doolittle's raiders deep into enemy waters, were recognized for their bravery and their critical role in boosting sagging American morale.

    The Citation was presented on May 15, 1995, in a ceremony at the Pentagon, attended by more than 100 Task Force 16 veterans. Present were Secretary of the Navy John Dalton, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Bernard D. Rostker, Chief of Naval Operations J. M. Boorda, and New Hampshire Senator Robert C. Smith who began the drive for the Citation after learning of the oversight from one of his constituents: Bert Whited, of Hornet's Scouting Eight. After a recounting of the mission by Assistant Secretary Rostker, the veterans of Task Force 16 were awarded the Citation, which read:

    On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War, it is appropriate that we take time to reflect on the unique and daring accomplishments achieved early in the war by Task Force 16. Sailing westward under sealed orders in April 1942, only four months after the devastating raid on Pearl Harbor, Task Force 16, carrying sixteen Army B-25 bombers, proceeded into history. Facing adverse weather and under constant threat of discovery before bombers could be launched to strike the Japanese homeland, the crews of the ships and LTC Doolittle's bombers persevered. On 18 April 1942 at 14:45, perseverance produced success as radio broadcasts from Japan confirmed the success of the raids. These raids were an enormous boost to the morale of the American people in those early and dark days of the war and a harbinger of the future for the Japanese High Command that had so foolishly awakened "The Sleeping Giant." These exploits, which so inspired the service men and women and the nation live on today and are remembered when the necessity of success against all odds is required.

    (Signed) John H. Dalton
    Secretary of the Navy
    15 May 1995

    The Task Force 16 Citation is awarded to the following ships, and all their personnel who participated in the Doolittle Raid:

    • USS Hornet CV-8
    • USS Enterprise CV-6
    • USS Salt Lake City CA-25
    • USS Northampton CA-26
    • USS Vincennes CA-44
    • USS Nashville CL-43
    • USS Balch DD-363
    • USS Fanning DD-385
    • USS Benham DD-397
    • USS Ellet DD-398
    • USS Gwin DD-433
    • USS Meredith DD-434
    • USS Grayson DD-435
    • USS Monssen DD-436
    • USS Sabine AO-25
    • USS Cimarron AO-22
    • USS Thresher SS-200
    • USS Trout SS-202

    The Oregonians of the Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 18, 1942

    Published April 18, 2022
    By Lt Col Terrence G. Popravak, Jr., USAF (Retired) 142nd Wing History Office (Volunteer)

    Today, Monday, April 18, 2022 is the 80th anniversary of the epic Doolittle Raid, when US Army Air Force B-25B Mitchell medium bombers flew from the pitching deck of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) in the first American air raid on Tokyo and the Imperial Japanese Home islands.

    Led by the famed Lt. Col. (later Gen.) James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle (no known relation to the Oregon Air National Guard’s Maj. Gen. Gordon L. Doolittle), several of the 80 crew members aboard the B-25s, all flown west now, had an Oregon connection, as did the flying unit they were from. And there was a connection between some of the B-25 crews and the flyers in the 123rd Observation Squadron, the Oregon National Guard’s first aviation unit, as well as to Portland Army Air Base.

    The name, rank and unit of these Oregon-connected B-25 aircrew at the time is as indicated:

    Clever, Robert S., Lt., Bombardier of Crew 7, 95th Bomb Squadron, B-25B serial number 40-2261 - “The Ruptured Duck.” Born in Portland and entered military service at Vancouver barracks, WA, in early 1941. Killed in an aircraft accident in the U.S. on November 20, 1942.

    Davenport, Dean., Lt. (later Col.), Co-pilot of Crew 7, 95th Bomb Squadron, B-25B serial number 40-2261 “The Ruptured Duck.” Born in Spokane, WA and grew up in Portland, graduated Portland High School then studied law at Albany and Northwestern colleges. He was later the technical advisor for the 1944 movie Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo about the Doolittle Raid.

    DeShazer, Jacob D., Cpl. (later T/Sgt), Bombardier of Crew 16, 34th Bomb Squadron, B-25B serial number 40-2268 - “Bat Out of Hell,” was born in Salem, graduated from Madras High School. He enlisted in the Army in early 1940. Captured, he spent 40 months as a Prisoner of War (POW). Remarkably, he returned to Japan in 1948 as a Christian missionary.

    Holstrom, Everett W., Lt. (later Brig. Gen.), Pilot of Crew 4, 95th Bomb Squadron, B-25B serial number 40-2282. Born in Cottage Grove, graduated Pleasant Hill High School, attended Oregon State College before he entered military service at Fort Lewis, WA in 1939. He stayed in China after the raid and commanded the 11th Bomb Squadron there until the end of 1943.

    Jones, David M., Capt. (later Maj Gen.), Pilot of Crew 5, 95th Bomb Squadron, B-25B serial number 40-2283. Born in Marshfield (Coos Bay), later moved to Arizona where he completed high school and college, then joined the National Guard as a cavalry officer before becoming a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He later served in North Africa, was shot down and captured, and became a POW for two-and-a-half years in Stalag Luft III, Germany.

    The crews on the mission were drawn from the bombardment squadrons of the 17th Bomb Group (Medium), the Army Air Force’s first and most experienced North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber outfit. The group first-equipped with the new B-25 in the summer of 1941, and all four flying squadrons were equipped by September, 1941, by which time the group was stationed at Pendleton, Oregon.

    After the Japanese attack on Hawaii and the US entry into the war, the 17th Bomb Group flew anti-submarine patrols off the Pacific Northwest coast from various forward bases. The aircraft soon engaged the enemy, when Oregon’s 123rd Observation Squadron, then on active duty service and flying coastal patrols, detected an enemy submarine off the mouth of the Columbia River on December 24, 1941, as described in an earlier post, “A Portland Connection to the Doolittle Raid of 18 April 1942,”

    After conducting anti-sub patrols off the west coast from late December, 1941 to mid-February, 1942, the group moved from Oregon to the east coast and flew anti-sub patrol against German submarines. The 17th Bomb Group was then selected to provide the cadre for the volunteer crews selected to participate in the Doolittle Raid.

    Although the raid didn’t go exactly as planned, with the scheduled launch moved up hours earlier after the carrier task force was detected approaching Japan, many of the aircraft hit their planned targets and delivered a big shock to Imperial Japan’s leadership – Imperial Japan’s Home Islands, the heart of the Empire, were vulnerable to enemy attack.

    The Japanese brutally responded to the raid as they sought to deny air bases in China that could be used in any future attacks against Japan. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens in the areas of China where the aircraft ultimately came down in were killed, assaulted and/or driven from their homes.

    The Imperial Japanese forces also used biological warfare against the Chinese, employing bio-weapons from the infamous Unit 731, even killing hundreds of their own troops in the indiscriminate process. The magnitude and ferocity of Imperial Japan’s reprisal was wildly disproportionate to the damage done to Japan.

    The Japanese were brutal against some of the captured aircrew as well. The captured Oregonian Cpl. Jacob DeShazer of Crew 16 was forced to witness the execution by the Japanese of three other raiders, Lt. William G. Farrow and Sgt. Harold A. Spatz of Crew 16 and Lt. Dean E. Hallmark of Crew 6 in Shanghai, China on October 15, 1942. DeShazer witnessed another captured crewman from Crew 6, Lt. Robert J. Meder, die from beri-beri and dysentery in prison camp on December 1, 1943.

    Despite the loss of all 16 aircraft and seven crew members (four lost in captivity, two who drowned when their aircraft crash-landed in China coastal waters, and another who died bailing out over China), the Doolittle Raid boosted American morale at a time when the war was going very badly.

    Two of the Doolittle Raider Oregonians, Lt’s Robert S. Clever and Dean Davenport of Crew 7, returned from China to Oregon on leave and boosted morale at Portland Army Air Base in the summer of 1942.

    It also led to a reprioritization of Japan’s war objectives. Some Japanese air units were sent back from expeditionary operations in the Pacific War to the Home Islands for defense, reducing the Empire’s offensive airpower. The Imperial Japanese Navy focused on getting rid of the American aircraft carrier threat and sailed into the decisive Battle of Midway in June, 1942, where it was soundly defeated, losing four aircraft carriers of its own versus one American loss.

     B-25 Mitchell
     

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     Pandaveswar India Map

     Karachi South Karachi City, Sindh Pakistan Map

     

        Pacific Ocean theater of World War II Citations

    1. Cressman 2000, p. 84.
    2. Potter & Nimitz 1960, p. 717.
    3. Potter & Nimitz 1960, pp. 759–60.
    4. Silverstone 1968, pp. 9–11.
    5. Potter & Nimitz 1960, pp. 651–62.
    6. Kafka & Pepperburg 1946, p. 185.
    7. Potter & Nimitz 1960, p. 751.
    8. Ofstie 1946, p. 194.
    9. Potter & Nimitz 1960, p. 761.
    10. Potter & Nimitz 1960, p. 765.
    11. Potter & Nimitz 1960, p. 770.
    12. Ofstie 1946, p. 275..

        Pacific Ocean theater of World War II Bibliography:

    • Cressman, Robert J. (2000), The Official Chronology of the U.S. Navy in World War II, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, ISBN 1-55750-149-1.
    • Drea, Edward J. (1998), In the Service of the Emperor: Essays on the Imperial Japanese Army, NB: University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0-8032-1708-0.
    • Hakim, Joy (1995), A History of Us: War, Peace and All That Jazz, New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-509514-6.
    • Kafka, Roger; Pepperburg, Roy L. (1946), Warships of the World, New York: Cornell Maritime Press.
    • Miller, Edward S. (2007), War Plan Orange: The U.S. Strategy to Defeat Japan, 1897–1945, US Naval Institute Press, ISBN 978-1-59114-500-4.
    • Ofstie, Ralph A. (1946). The Campaigns of the Pacific War. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office..
    • Potter, E. B.; Nimitz, Chester W. (1960), Sea Power, Prentice-Hal.
    • Silverstone, Paul H. (1968), U.S. Warships of World War II, Doubleday & Co.
    • Toll, Ian W. (2011). Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942. New York: W. W. Norton.
    • The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942–1944. New York: W. W. Norton.
    • Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944–1945. New York: W. W. Norton.

        Fifth Air Force Bibliography:

    • Bartsch, William H. Doomed at the Start: American Pursuit Pilots in the Philippines, 1941–1942. Reveille Books, 1995. ISBN 0-89096-679-6.
    • Birdsall, Steve. Flying Buccaneers: The Illustrated History of Kenney's Fifth Air Force. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1977. ISBN 0-385-03218-8.
    • Craven, Wesley F. and James L. Cate. The Army Air Forces in World War II. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1948–58.
    • Holmes, Tony. "Twelve to One": V Fighter Command Aces of the Pacific. Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-84176-784-0.
    • Rust, Kenn C. Fifth Air Force Story...in World War II. Temple City, California: Historical Aviation Album, 1973. ISBN 0-911852-75-1.

        Notes on the North American B-25 Mitchell

    1. This number does not include aircraft built after World War II.
    2. The maximum on RAF strength was 517 in December 1944

        Citations on the North American B-25 Mitchell

    1. 'North American B-25B Mitchell.' U.S. Air Force.
    2. United Press, 'Bomber Named For Mitchell', The San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino, California, Friday 23 January 1942, Volume 48, page 21.
    3. Baugher, Joe. 'North American B-25 Mitchell.' American Military Aircraft: US Bomber Aircraft, 6 March 2000.
    4. Chorlton Aeroplane May 2013, p. 74.
    5. 'T-6/SNJ/HVD Information (Ray) - NATA'. flynata.org.
    6. Parker 2013, pp. 77–79, 83, 88, 92.
    7. Borth 1945, pp. 70, 92, 244.
    8. Herman 2012, pp. 11, 88, 115, 140–143, 263, 297.
    9. Johnson, E. R. (2015). American Military Training Aircraft: Fixed and Rotary-Wing Trainers Since 1916. McFarland. p. 162. ISBN 9780786470945.
    10. Norton 2012, p. 68.
    11. Pace, 2002 p23
    12. Pace 2002, p. 6.
    13. '340th Bomb Group History'. 57thbombwing.com.
    14. Merriam, Ray, ed. 'U. S. Warplanes of World War II.' World War II Journal, No. 15, 1 July 2000, p. 8.
    15. Kinzey 1999, pp. 51, 53.
    16. Yenne 1989, p. 40.
    17. Kinzey 1999, pp. 52–53.
    18. Baugher, Joe. North American B-25H Mitchell.' American Military Aircraft: US Bomber Aircraft, 11 March 2000.
    19. Tallman 1973, pp. 216, 228.
    20. Higham 1975, 8; Higham 1978, 59.
    21. 'A Brief history of the B-25.' Archived 3 March 2015 at the Wayback Machine USAF.com. Accessed: 25 May 2015.
    22. 'Doolittle Park Will Have AF B-25 Bomber'. Playground News (Fort Walton Beach, Florida), Volume 15, Number 7, 10 March 1960, p. 10.
    23. 'B-25 Makes Last Flight During Ceremony at Eglin'. Playground News (Fort Walton Beach, Florida), Volume 15, Number '17' (actually No. 18: Special), 26 May 1960, p. 2.
    24. 'B-25 44-330854.' warbirdregistry.org. Retrieved: 30 December 2009.
    25. 'Closing In: Marines in the Seizure of Iwo Jima (Assault Preparations)'. www.nps.gov.
    26. 'Smash Hits.' Popular Mechanics, March 1947, p. 113.
    27. Skaarup 2009, pp. 333–334.
    28. Walker, R.W.R. 'RCAF 5200 to 5249, Detailed List.' Canadian Military Aircraft Serial Numbers, 25 May 2013.
    29. Hardesty, Von (1982). Red Phoenix: The Rise of Soviet Air Power 1941-1945. Washington, D. C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 253. ISBN 0874745101.
    30. Glantz, David (2005). Companion to Colossus Reborn: Key Documents and Statistics. United States of America: University Press of Kansas. p. 148. ISBN 0700613595.
    31. Jowett, Philip (2016). Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70. Oxford: Osprey Publishing Press. p. 18. ISBN 978-1472816092.
    32. Dorr Wings of Fame Volume 3, p. 124.
    33. 'Factsheets: North American B-25.' National Museum of the United States Air Force, 26 June 2009.
    34. 'Factsheets: North American B-25A'. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 26 June 2009.
    35. Dorr Wings of Fame Volume 3, pp. 125–126.
    36. 'Factsheets: North American B-25B.' National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 26 June 2009.
    37. Robison, Tom. 'B-29 in Weather Reconnaissance.' Aerial Weather Reconnaissance Association: Hurricane Hunters.
    38. Gibbins, Scott and Jeffrey Long. 'The History of the Hurricane Hunters.' Archived 12 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine Hurricane Hunters Association.
    39. Drucker, Graham.'North American B-25 Mitchell.' fleetairarmarchive.net.
    40. 'B-25J-30-NC SN 44-31173 'Huaira Bajo''. The B-25 History Project
    41. Chorlton Aeroplane May 2013, p. 85.
    42. Chorlton Aeroplane May 2013, p. 86.
    43. Hagedorn Air Enthusiast May/June 2003, pp. 53–54.
    44. Hagedorn Air Enthusiast May/June 2003, p. 55.
    45. Leeuw, Ruud. 'Cuatro Vientos – Madrid.' ruudleeuw.com.
    46. Hardesty 1991, p. 253.
    47. 'Mitchells: The North American Mitchell in Royal Air Force service.' Aeromilitaria (Air-Britain Historians), Issue 2, 1978, pp. 41–48.
    48. Roberts, William.'ESB News.' Elevator World, March 1996.
    49. Kingwell 2007, p. 12.
    50. Fonton, Mickaël (5 August 2010). 'Les morts mystérieuses : 4. Leclerc, l'énigme du 13e passager'. Valeurs actuelles (in French).
    51. Swanborough and Bowers 1963, p. 359.
    52. Lednicer, David. 'The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage'. m-selig.ae.illinois.edu.
    53. Caiden 1957, p. 176.

        Bibliography on the North American B-25 Mitchell: +

    • Borth, Christy. Masters of Mass Production. Indianapolis, Indiana: Bobbs-Merrill Co., 1945.
    • Bridgman, Leonard, ed. 'The North American Mitchell.' Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Studio, 1946. ISBN 1-85170-493-0.
    • Caidin, Martin. Air Force. New York: Arno Press, 1957.
    • Chorlton, Martyn. 'Database: North American B-25 Mitchell'. Aeroplane, Vol. 41, No. 5, May 2013. pp. 69–86.
    • Dorr, Robert F. 'North American B-25 Variant Briefing'. Wings of Fame, Volume 3, 1996. London: Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-874023-70-0. ISSN 1361-2034. pp. 118–141.
    • Green, William. Famous Bombers of the Second World War. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1975. ISBN 0-385-12467-8.
    • Hagedorn, Dan. 'Latin Mitchells: North American B-25s in South America, Part One'. Air Enthusiast No. 105, May/June 2003. pp. 52–55. ISSN 0143-5450
    • Hagedorn, Dan. 'Latin Mitchells: North American B-25s in South America, Part Three'. Air Enthusiast Mo. 107, September/October 2003. pp. 36–41. ISSN 0143-5450
    • Hardesty, Von. Red Phoenix: The Rise of Soviet Air Power 1941–1945. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1991, first edition 1982. ISBN 0-87474-510-1.
    • Heller, Joseph. Catch 22. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1961. ISBN 0-684-83339-5.
    • Herman, Arthur. Freedom's Forge: How American Business Produced Victory in World War II, New York: Random House, 2012. ISBN 978-1-4000-6964-4.
    • Higham, Roy and Carol Williams, eds. Flying Combat Aircraft of USAAF-USAF (Vol. 1). Andrews AFB, Maryland: Air Force Historical Foundation, 1975. ISBN 0-8138-0325-X.
    • Higham, Roy and Carol Williams, eds. Flying Combat Aircraft of USAAF-USAF (Vol. 2). Andrews AFB, Maryland: Air Force Historical Foundation, 1978. ISBN 0-8138-0375-6.
    • Johnsen, Frederick A. North American B-25 Mitchell. Stillwater, Minnesota: Voyageur Press, 1997. ISBN 0-933424-77-9.
    • Kingwell, Mark. Nearest Thing to Heaven: The Empire State Building and American Dreams. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press, 2007. ISBN 978-0-300-12612-9.
    • Kinzey, Bert. B-25 Mitchell in Detail. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications Inc., 1999. ISBN 1-888974-13-3.
    • Kit, Mister and Jean-Pierre De Cock. North American B-25 Mitchell (in French). Paris, France: Éditions Atlas, 1980.
    • McDowell, Ernest R. B-25 Mitchell in Action (Aircraft number 34). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications Inc., 1978. ISBN 0-89747-033-8.
    • McDowell, Ernest R. North American B-25A/J Mitchell (Aircam No.22). Canterbury, Kent, UK: Osprey Publications Ltd., 1971. ISBN 0-85045-027-6.
    • Mizrahi, J.V. North American B-25: The Full Story of World War II's Classic Medium. Hollywood, California: Challenge Publications Inc., 1965.
    • Norton, Bill. American Bomber Aircraft Development in World War 2. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Midland Publishing, 2012. ISBN 978-1-85780-330-3.
    • Pace, Steve. B-25 Mitchell Units in the MTO. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2002. ISBN 978-1-84176-284-5.
    • Pace, Steve. Warbird History: B-25 Mitchell. St. Paul, Minnesota: Motorbooks International, 1994. ISBN 0-87938-939-7.
    • Parker, Dana T. Building Victory: Aircraft Manufacturing in the Los Angeles Area in World War II. Cypress, California: Dana Parker Enterprises, 2013. ISBN 978-0-9897906-0-4.
    • 'Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation'. Air Enthusiast Quarterly (2): 154–162. n.d. ISSN 0143-5450.
    • Powell, Albrecht. 'Mystery in the Mon'. Archived 31 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine 1994
    • Reinhard, Martin A. (January–February 2004). 'Talkback'. Air Enthusiast. No. 109. p. 74. ISSN 0143-5450.
    • Scutts, Jerry. B-25 Mitchell at War. London: Ian Allan, 1983. ISBN 0-7110-1219-9.
    • Scutts, Jerry. North American B-25 Mitchell. Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK: Crowood Press, 2001. ISBN 1-86126-394-5.
    • Skaarup, Harold A. Canadian Warplanes. Bloomington, Indiana: IUniverse, 2009. ISBN 978-1-4401-6758-4.
    • Swanborough, F.G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam, 1963.
    • Swanborough, Gordon. North American, An Aircraft Album No. 6. New York: Arco Publishing Company Inc., 1973. ISBN 0-668-03318-5.
    • Tallman, Frank. Flying the Old Planes. New York: Doubleday and Company, 1973. ISBN 978-0-385-09157-2.
    • Vernon, Jerry (Winter 1993). 'Talkback'. Air Enthusiast. No. 52. pp. 78–79. ISSN 0143-5450.
    • Wolf, William. North American B-25 Mitchell, The Ultimate Look: from Drawing Board to Flying Arsenal. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-0-7643-2930-2.
    • Yenne, Bill. Rockwell: The Heritage of North American. New York: Crescent Books, 1989. ISBN 0-517-67252-9.

        Web References on the North American B-25 Mitchell: +

    • 13th Bombardment Squadron http://www.3rdattackgroup.org/13th.php
    • Wikipedia.org - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_B-25_Mitchell
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    This webpage was updated 27th September 2023

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