On April 18, 1942 The Doolittle Raiders took off earlier than planned for the bombing mission over Tokyo because they feared they had been spotted by a Japanese "fishing" boat that could have been a spy boat. They all knew that there would not be enough fuel to return to the Hornet. They were given the opportunity to back out but none did. It would have been surprising if anyone did. All 16 bombers departed for a mission that had significant psychological implications after Pearl Harbor.
The Raiders trained here in Columbia so on their 60th anniversary in 2001 I was fortunate to be able to sit with them at their banquet. I also purchased a print sold by their foundation which I had signed by all the existing Raiders, along with other memorabilia from the event. The print was also signed by Gen. Doolittle before his death. I had all of this framed by Carol of Morristown because I did not trust anyone else except a VFL to do it.
Now I see it every day as I go to my man cave, but am thinking about donating it to a museum so everyone can see it and remember those brave men.
Today, only Raider Dick Cole remains. In 2001 they were already old men. I feel blessed to have had the honor to break bread with them and to get to talk with them for an entire evening. Dick Cole was there and his signature is on the print. What an evening it was.
I tear up overtime I think of that evening and how blessed I was to be with such company. RIP Raiders. Only one left from that brave group from the Greatest Generation.
The Raiders trained here in Columbia so on their 60th anniversary in 2001 I was fortunate to be able to sit with them at their banquet. I also purchased a print sold by their foundation which I had signed by all the existing Raiders, along with other memorabilia from the event. The print was also signed by Gen. Doolittle before his death. I had all of this framed by Carol of Morristown because I did not trust anyone else except a VFL to do it.
Now I see it every day as I go to my man cave, but am thinking about donating it to a museum so everyone can see it and remember those brave men.
Today, only Raider Dick Cole remains. In 2001 they were already old men. I feel blessed to have had the honor to break bread with them and to get to talk with them for an entire evening. Dick Cole was there and his signature is on the print. What an evening it was.
I tear up overtime I think of that evening and how blessed I was to be with such company. RIP Raiders. Only one left from that brave group from the Greatest Generation.
