This Day in History: April 18, 1942

Doolittle leads air raid on Tokyo

The Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942, was the first air raid by the United States to strike the Japanese home islands during World War II. The mission was notable in that it was the only operation in which United States Army Air Forces bombers were launched from a US Navy aircraft carrier. It was also the longest combat mission ever flown by the B-25 Mitchell bomber. The Doolittle Raid proved that the Japanese home islands were vulnerable to American retaliation for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

The raid was planned and led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, already a famous civilian aviator and aeronautical engineer before the war. However, the raid had its roots in the mind of Navy Captain Francis Low, who early in the war predicted that, under the right conditions, twin-engined Army bombers could be successfully launched from an aircraft carrier. Subsequent calculations by Doolittle indicated that the B-25 Mitchell could be launched from a carrier with a reasonable bomb load, hit military targets in Japan, and fly on to land in China.

The Doolittle raid did little material damage. Nevertheless, when the news of the raid was released, American morale soared from the depths to which it had plunged following the Pearl Harbor attack and subsequent territorial gains by the Japanese. The raid also had some strategic impact in that it caused the Japanese to recall some fighter units back to the home islands for defense; these reassignments subsequently weakened Japan's air capabilities against the Allies at the Battle of Midway and later Pacific Theater campaigns.

Go here to see an animated version of how this all took place. It is a pretty interesting animation!

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So I have some news that is at least sad to me. Tomorrow is my last day at Siegler & Co. I have received a job in Costa Mesa where I will be moving to after I graduate in May. This is a twist in my life that I have to take, and I hope it leads to great places. I will miss all of the readers here, and the friends on Myspace that I have made.

I am not sure who will be writing the blogs once I leave, but I am sure they will do a fantastic job! If you would like to keep in contact with me, leave me a comment and I will give you my personal email. Have a good day!
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Check out our Doolittle Raiders autographed WWII photo. The Doolittle Raiders countered and struck five major Japanese cities after the attack on Pearl Harbor. They are presented in this photo, which is autographed by the three surviving members. Professionally framed and matted with certificate of authenticity. 8"x10" photograph; 11"x14" framed.



We also have this vintage aircraft nose art.A unique and interesting collection of color photos depicting a variety of warbird nose art. Over 1,000 wartime photos show art work close up, with explanations of art, aircraft, and pilots.