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Last Doolittle Raider Reunion

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by George Patton, Apr 14, 2013.

  1. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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    It looks like the end of an era. Is there anyone near Fort Walton, FL that plans on attending?

    "It's the cup of brandy that no one wants to drink. On Tuesday, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the surviving Doolittle Raiders will gather publicly for the last time.
    They once were among the most universally admired and revered men in the United States. There were 80 of the Raiders in April 1942, when they carried out one of the most courageous and heart-stirring military operations in this nation's history. The mere mention of their unit's name, in those years, would bring tears to the eyes of grateful Americans.
    Now only four survive."

    http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/14/opinion/greene-doolittle-raiders/index.html

    More information:

    The city arranged to have 5 B-25s fly in for the event:
    http://www.nwfdailynews.com/military/top-story/b-25s-to-arrive-for-doolittle-raiders-reunion-1.122095

    And another (non editorial) article:
    http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/04/09/4756283/last-surviving-members-of-wwiis.html
     
  2. urqh

    urqh Tea drinking surrender monkey

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    A daring raid...a daring bunch...Brought hope to many, not just America...Sometimes its not what you do....its how you do it...and why...Kudos.
     
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  3. Sandwichery

    Sandwichery Active Member

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    They will soon be gone, but not soon forgotten.
     
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  4. Livebait24

    Livebait24 New Member

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    How very inspiring it was to those who remember that time. Bravery personified. Nothing much of military consequence was attained by the raid, but it informed the Japanese that retribution was beginning, and that they were all within reach. The raid was a morale booster to all on the allied side.

    Livebait24
     
  5. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I wish I was nearer so I could attend. The morale boost was important, even though they accomplished little of lasting military value. It did represent, however, the first time Japanese saw foreign raiders over their homeland. It was a precursor of things to come.
     
  6. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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    Here's an update:

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2311079/Doolittle-raid-Surviving-WWII-crew-members-meet-reunion-Eglin-Air-Force-Base.html

    Looks like quite an event. For those interested, the four remaining Raiders will be having their final drink from the silver goblets sometime later this year in private. Its sad to see and end to this 70+ year tradition, but I'm genuinely impressed about how the town and Eglin AFB are pulling out all the stops for this event. Nice to see that people besides us still remember.
     
  7. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I saw it on the news. Here are a few pictures from the article for those who want to look.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  8. Mehar

    Mehar Ace

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    http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/18/famed-members-world-war-ii-doolittle-bombing-raid-on-tokyo-hold-final-public/
     
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  9. brndirt1

    brndirt1 Saddle Tramp

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  10. SymphonicPoet

    SymphonicPoet Member

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    Thank you Mehar. Very interesting indeed.
     
  11. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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    urqh likes this.
  12. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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  13. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Merge done. A good topic, nonetheless.
     
  14. Sandwichery

    Sandwichery Active Member

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  15. George Patton

    George Patton Canadian Refugee

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    Me too. I've seen the goblets of the Raiders at the NMUSAF multiple times. Here's one of my photos (taken in 2010). At that time there were 8 Raiders left. When a Raider dies, his goblet is turned upside down. Hopefully one of the other members can make it to the ceremony. This is truly the end of an era.

    [​IMG]
     
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  16. urqh

    urqh Tea drinking surrender monkey

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    I never knew that...thanks for posting.
     
  17. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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    http://news.yahoo.com/wwii-doolittle-raiders-making-final-toast-081057065.html

    DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — U.S. military leaders are among thousands who have joined in a tribute to World War II's Doolittle Raiders, the World War II airmen whose daring bombing attack on Japan helped boost American morale.
    A flyover by five B-25 bombers helped cap a Saturday memorial service in which a wreath was placed at the Doolittle Raider monument outside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton in southwest Ohio.
    Three of the four surviving Raiders plan a final ceremonial toast to fallen comrades Saturday evening. The fourth couldn't travel because of health issues.
    Commander James "Jimmy" Doolittle commanded the daring mission credited with throwing the Japanese off balance after a string of military successes.
     
  18. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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  19. rkline56

    rkline56 USS Oklahoma City CG5

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  20. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Done! Thanks for looking and remembering.
     

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