General Jimmy Doolittle Interview

Courtesy: United States Air Force
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp
On April 18, 1942, Lt. Col. James Doolittle led a mission of 16 B-25 bombers with 80 volunteers to send Japan a clear message of American air power. They took off from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet which positioned the aircraft within a reasonable striking distance. On this 65th anniversary, their mission was to drop the first bombs on military targets in Tokyo, Nagoya and Yokohama. All reached their targets successfully, with little Japanese response.

Fifteen of the planes crashed or were abandoned in China. A 16th plane landed near Vladivostok, Russia. Two of the aircraft came down in enemy territory and three crewmen were executed. The raid had a psychological effect on the American public which was still reeling from the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

War Department planners hit on the idea of launching Army Air Forces bombers off a Navy carrier, then recovering the aircraft at airfields in China. The call for volunteers went out in March 1942. Commanding General of the Army Air Forces Maj. Gen. "Hap" Arnold gave Doolittle the task of organizing and training the volunteers for the mission.

Doolittle was well-known not only as a military pilot, but also for his civilian air racing accomplishments. Short, stocky and nearly bald, he had a reputation for stretching an aircraft to its operational limits, and for doing things his way.

He also believed U.S. security depended on a strong Air Force. "I am convinced that the required air force can be rapidly organized, equipped and trained if it is completely separate from the Army and developed as an entirely separate arm."

Of the 80 volunteers, 71 men returned home from the war as some fliers went on to fly bombing missions in Europe. Today, 14 original Raiders survive and have an annual reunion.

Click to subscribe! http://bit.ly/subAIRBOYD #AIRBOYD #AvGeek

Видео General Jimmy Doolittle Interview канала AIRBOYD