Author Topic: 64 years ago today (Read 801 times)

AutoPilot · « **on:** April 18, 2006, 08:13:07 AM »

Take a moment out of your day today to remember those who gave their lives 64 years ago today April 18th 1942.They answered the call to strike back at Japan the first chance they got.make sure they are in your thoughts today.

mussie · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2006, 08:42:40 AM »

Doolittle and his Raiders are inspirational, They knew the mission was a one way trip and when the Wasp was spotted they launched even though they were 10 hours away from the where they were supposed to.

I think it takes a lot of guts to do what they did.

At one stage I was trying to get all the information I could on the Doolittle Raider's, I was going to put a snap shot together. As I kept reading it turned into a bit of an obsession and I ended up with a couple of manila folders worth of printouts including things like Flight Plans and mission reports.

I am amazed by the inaccuracies that have been portrayed in the movies I have seen about the raid, (Yeah I know its Holiwood but you would think that they would have atleast been accurate about something like the Doolittle Raid).

James H. Doolittle - Individual Report on Tokyo Raid

James H. Doolittle - Flight/Mission Report
Chunking, China
May 4, 1942.

PERSONAL REPORT
Take off at 8:20 A.M. ship time.
Take-off was easy. Night take-off would have been possible and practicable.

Circled carrier to get exact heading and check compass. Wind was from around 300°.

About a half hour after take-off was joined by AC 40-2292, Lt. Hoover, pilot, the second plane to take off.

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Encountered nine fighters in three flights of three. This was about ten miles north of the outskirts of Tokyo proper.

All this time had been flying as low as the terrain would permit.

Continued low flying due south over the outskirts of and toward the east center of Tokyo.

Pulled up to 1,200 ft., changed course to the southwest and incendiary-bombed highly inflammable section. Dropped first bomb at 1:30 (ship time).

Anti-aircraft very active but only one near hit.

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Airplane No. AC 40-2282 -- Took off at 8:33 a.m. ship time
Pilot Lt. Everett W. Holstrom 0-397395
Co-pilot Lt. Lucian N. Youngblood 0-421153
Navigator-Gunner Lt. Harry C. McCool o-419329
Bombardier Sgt. Robert J. Stephens 6936650
Engineer-Gunner Cpl. Bert M. Jordan 6952993

Proceeded in the direction of Tokyo but encountered severe fighter opposition. Endeavored to get around the fighters and passed beyond Tokyo. They then decided to bomb a secondary target but were again attacked and driven off. Eventually dropped their bombs in the water and proceeded to a point near and Southeast of Shangjao where all crew members bailed out safely.
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Very Brave Men

Saxman · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2006, 09:00:04 AM »

BTW, Mussie, it was Hornet Doolittle launched from, under the escort of Enterprise.

mussie · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2006, 09:34:30 AM »

DOH...!!!!!

I should have checked that....

AutoPilot · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2006, 10:10:08 AM »

Well Mussie i can send ya some pics today that i am gonna take at their reunion at WPAFB if you would like?Will be rolling film on the wreath ceremony and get some good stills of the exhibit they have set up.

Hap · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2006, 01:33:46 PM »

wow--thanks for the reminder!!

~~hap~~

AutoPilot · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2006, 04:59:17 PM »

One of the Guest speakers this year Lt.Col. Chase Nielson U.S.A.F. (Retired) Navigator Crew #6 Doolittle's Tokyo Raider's.

92 years old and still full of spirit.Was an interesting time meeting those fine American's.He spent 3 years as a POW but said if he had the choice to do it again he would be more than happy too serve his country.Behind Mr.Nielson is Lt.Col. Frank Bower.

The B-25 doolittle display inside the WPAFM

doogan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2006, 09:36:46 PM »

toolshedders

ROC · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2006, 10:07:55 PM »

This was a fantastic effort to boost the morale after a devastating hit on Pearl. Get them, hit them hard, hit them at Home, let them know we can. That went a long way.

Towards the end of the war, pre-Hiroshima, there was a rather large mission planned to invade the Japanese Mainland. Operation Downfall.

As Stalins Fourth Scenario winds down, look for the Next AH2 Event, which will Implement that Invasion that did not occur.

Imagine, Japan Mainland map, and 20 CV Fleets churning towards her

See you Late July

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2006, 10:29:01 PM »

b-25's hmm, didn't know that. Now I know why people want the b-25 in the game. It's famous.

BTW, what's this "dweebs for life" about AutoPilot?

Kev367th · « **Reply #10 on:** April 18, 2006, 11:26:52 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by mussie
I am amazed by the inaccuracies that have been portrayed in the movies I have seen about the raid, (Yeah I know its Holiwood but you would think that they would have atleast been accurate about something like the Doolittle Raid).
[/URL]

Since when has Hollywood let the facts get in the way of making a movie?

Guppy35 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2006, 11:29:03 PM »

"30 Seconds over Tokyo" wasn't too bad considering when it was made etc. Nice work with the 25s and focused on the crews.

AutoPilot · « **Reply #12 on:** April 18, 2006, 11:33:43 PM »

Quote

what's this "dweebs for life" about AutoPilot?

The real life Aces High Movie.I am still making props,when props are done filming will begin.

Hawco · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2006, 10:41:23 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kev367th
Quote
Originally posted by mussie
I am amazed by the inaccuracies that have been portrayed in the movies I have seen about the raid, (Yeah I know its Holiwood but you would think that they would have atleast been accurate about something like the Doolittle Raid).
[/URL]

Since when has Hollywood let the facts get in the way of making a movie? [/B]

lol, nice one Kev