Doolittle Raiders' last toast

Doolittle Raiders Set 'Final Toast' for November  "By tradition, the Raiders reunite each year and toast "those who have gone" from the original 80. They use special silver goblets with engraved names. For years, the plan was for the last two survivors to make the final toast. However, after Maj. Thomas Griffin of Cincinnati died in February at age 96, it was decided to have a final ceremony this year because of the survivors' advancing ages." View short trailer.

 

executedtoday.com

Historical overview of the raid  "The April 1942 air attack on Japan, launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet and led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, was the most daring operation yet undertaken by the United States in the young Pacific War. Though conceived as a diversion that would also boost American and allied morale, the raid generated strategic benefits that far outweighed its limited goals."

Website: The Doolittle Raid remembered "This website is intended to provide accurate information for persons interested in learning more about the men who took part in the Doolittle Raid as well as the equipment used and other related subjects. Various pages can be accessed from the navigation bar above."

POWs of the Doolittle raid  Crewmen of the raid are listed here as well.

One of the men imprisoned by the Japanese became a Christian during his prison stay and returned to Japan as a missionary. Still others returned to civilian life here in the United States. More.

Doolittle raid photos

The executed raiders and their headstones 

Newspapers report the Doolittle Raid

North American B-25H Mitchell   "The North American B-25H Mitchell is one of the most well-known bombers from World War II. Made famous in the Doolittle Raid on Japan; the first retaliatory strike after the U.S. entered WWII, the B-25 became a symbol of American airpower during the war."