Doolittle Raid

On Saturday, 18 April 1942, a squadron of B-25 Mitchell aircraft lifted off from the deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Hornet. The group of brave Airmen were led by Lieutenant Colonel James “Jimmy” Doolittle, who had returned to active duty in the summer of 1940 after serving over ten years in the Air Corps Reserve. Doolittle and his men were uncertain that they would return from the dangerous mission. Yet, they were resolute in their determination to risk their well-being to avenge the thousands of Americans who lost their lives during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Despite the tremendous odds against them, the “Doolittle Raiders” proved that they could accomplish something that most people had thought was impossible. Their selflessness, steadfast determination, and drive to carry out their mission continues to inspire the men and women of the Air Force Reserve.