Doolittle Raiders 68th Reunion & Flight (1 Viewer)

[Beaufighter]

Cheers Forum Squadron Members:
I thought you would enjoy reading about this upcoming tribute for some of our brave fellow Yanks. Thanks for reading.
Tally Ho,
Marc

Doolittle raiders to be honored by B-25 formation

By Alton K. Marsh

The remaining living Doolittle Tokyo Raiders will be honored April 16 to 18 during ceremonies at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Included in the ceremony is a flyover and static display of 20 or more North American B-25 bombers like those used in the raid on Japan.
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There are fewer than 10 crewmembers living who took part in the raid. This is the sixty-eighth reunion of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.

The formation flight is set to take off on April 18 at 1 p.m. from the museum. Before and after the museum reunion events, the B-25s will stage out of Grimes Field in Urbana, Ohio, beginning April 15 to practice formation flights and will offer public rides and static displays. They will depart from Grimes Field on April 17.

It was April 18, 1942, when 80 men took off from an aircraft carrier on a top-secret mission to bomb Japan. These men, led by Lt. Col. James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, came to be known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. They provided a boost in morale to the American public.

“This is going to be an historic event, but we are still seeking donations or corporate sponsorships, especially to cover aircraft fuel and oil costs,” said Thomas Casey, business manager for the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Association.

 

[Beaufighter]

Largest Gathering of B-25s Since WW II Video

A SITREP from my previous post...

The B-25 Pacific "Princess" and 16 other B-25's attend the 68th Doolittle Reunion on April 27, 2010. B-25J 'Pacific Princess' and crew participates in the largest gathering of B-25's since WWII for the 68th Doolittle Raiders Reunion held April 17th & 18th, 2010 at USAF Museum, Wright Field Dayton OH. 17 B-25's formed up for a fly-over the Doolittle Memorial ceremony. Eight Doolittle Raiders of the original 79 remain, 4 were able to attend the 2010 event. The oldest airman present was 94 years old and the youngest 88. Air-to-Air shots filmed from the tail gunner seat of 'Pacific Princess', ship # 2 in the 17 ship formation by VictoryGirl.com. The group of planes stayed at the Champaign Airport in Urbana, Ohio, 12 miles away.
Enjoy,
Beaufighter

http://www.youtube.com/user/MsPolleyVision

 

[Louis Badolato]

My friend Bruce Whitman, who was a B25 pilot (not involved in the Doolittle Raid) is one of the people who helps arrange the Doolittle Raiders Reunion. He has told me about how there is a goblet for each Raider, and the surviving raiders drink a toast to all those who have already passed. Each year there are fewer and fewer crewmen left to drink the toast.

 

[Beaufighter]

My friend Bruce Whitman, who was a B25 pilot (not involved in the Doolittle Raid) is one of the people who helps arrange the Doolittle Raiders Reunion. He has told me about how there is a goblet for each Raider, and the surviving raiders drink a toast to all those who have already passed. Each year there are fewer and fewer crewmen left to drink the toast.

Louis,
A number of years back I helped put on a reunion for the 15th BS (Light) which was part of the Mighty 8th. Part of the reunion was held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. During one of the events I was shown the room where all of the goblets were held which was something in itself. If I recall correctly, the goblets were turned upside down after one of the "Raiders" passed on to a better place. What a brave group of men!
Hang Tough,
Marc

 

[bromhead]

isnt the lore that an unopened bottle of brandy from doolittle will be used by the last two survivors ,,a toast to the rest.