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
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.
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
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.
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.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/18/famed-members-world-war-ii-doolittle-bombing-raid-on-tokyo-hold-final-public/
Here is a short article from one of my local papers, and I was saddened to find out that there are only four of the original RAIDERS still alive. This one looks to be in good shape however. Thought I would post the link to an honor article about one from Montana. Goto: http://www.lewistownnews.com/articles/2013/05/29/news/doc51a65915ebd20431741660.txt
http://www.ww2f.com/topic/45126-doolittle-survivors-reunited/?hl=%2Bdoolittle+%2Braiders Mehar, Did you catch this one? Maybe Mods can merge the threads? I should upload my print here - signed by several of the guys which I posted in the militaria thread. Has the aircraft lashed to the flight deck at Sunset, the roster by flight crew and aircraft are listed below the print.
Its probably better to merge it with this one. I posted the same topic about a month ago: http://www.ww2f.com/topic/49272-last-doolittle-raider-reunion/?hl=doolittle
The last surviving "Doolittle Raiders" have decided to modify their final toast to their fallen comrades. Originally it was to have been the last two survivors that opened the bottle, but due to circumstances of age and health they've changed their plans. I would give almost anything to be at that ceremony. http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20130906/NEWS02/709069861/WWII-Doolittle-Raiders-plan-final-toast-together
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.
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.
Maybe the moderators can merge this thread with http://www.ww2f.com/topic/49272-last-doolittle-raider-reunion/