The last Doolittle Raider dies ...

[dogtag]

Thing he remembered most about the raid was his parachute opening.
A sense of humor to the last.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-aged-103.html

[Vern Humphrey]

Doolittle thought he was going to be court-martialed for losing all of his planes. Back in Washington, General Arnold told him to meet him at his car. When Doolittle got into the car, there was General George C. Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff. Arnold then told Doolittle he was going to see the President to receive the Medal of Honor. Doolittle said, "I don't deserve the Medal of Honor."

Marshall, like the Virginia patrician he was, fixed Doolittle with a frosty stare and said, "I think you do." And that was the end of the discussion.

[Allen]

Doolittle's last name should have been Dooalot. Doolittle would have fit Jeff Sessions better along with millions on welfare.

That was quite a daring raid though. I wish Doolittle could have planned ahead a little better, perhaps with more fuel and less bombs, flying lower to hit better bombsites, etc. It's easy to back seat drive now though. I'm sure he had plenty on his mind as it was.

McCain liked to use the term "maverick" to apply to him rather than RINO, A-hole, traitor, POS, democrat and other such credible adjectives but Doolittle was a true maverick doing what had never been done before. Things could have really gone wrong but didn't.

[Roadkingtrax]

I'm sure Allen had a stellar combat flying record.

[togor]

Doolittle had to launch early because of an unexpected encounter with a Japanese fishing boat. It says a lot about the spirit of the men that they left that deck for an entirely uncertain future.

[m1ashooter]

The Raiders are USAF hero's. I just love it when any military retiree lives a long life and collects that check from Uncle Sam. The Colonel retired in 1966.

[M1Tommy]

Doolittle had to launch early because of an unexpected encounter with a Japanese fishing boat. It says a lot about the spirit of the men that they left that deck for an entirely uncertain future.

Spot-on there.
I believe they started launching about 350 miles before they planned to launch, believing the fishing boat had radioed warning. They had the planes crammed with cans of gasoline, ships' crew were rocking the planes to try to get a few more gallons into the tanks, too. Folks say the Doolittle Raid was "just symbolic"; however, it rattled the Japanese civilian population so much, shook their belief of being untouchable so much, that the military had to draw back many of its forces and reposition for a more defensive posture.... and probably made the Battle of Midway possible.

Lots of folks know about the related book "Thirty Seconds of Tokyo". Another great read is "Four Came Home", which I recommend highly .....
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Came-Hom...kSRj5If3Qz1TQI

Lt. Col. Richard Cole, sir, may you rest, in peace now. You certainly have earned it.
Tommy

[barretcreek]

Doolittle's memoir "I could never be so lucky again" is very telling. He created the field of avionics, and received the first degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

LTC Cole: RIP Sir. You and your comrades will continue to inspire.

[kj47]

LTC Cole, rest in peace. A job well done Sir.

[Busterman]

I met Col.Cole at the "Wings and Wheels" air and car show, a big event at the Georgetown, Delaware airport. He signed a hat for me and its one of my favorite things along with a hat signed by Col. Paul Tibbits. Col. Cole was one of the nicest guys anyone could ever have the pleasure of meeting and speaking with. He was humble and in no hurry with anyone he spoke with. What a life well lived and earned. A hero and an American treasure for sure.

[jjrothWA]

Best summation of the "Raiders" is this sentance from"The Bridges of Toko-Ri": "Where do we get such men".

My father boguht the book, "Thirty seconds over Tokyo", when first released, redacted to maintain security, I latched on to it during fifth grade.
The man concern with the crews waseeping the left wheel on / inside the white line painted, three feet from the port-edge of the flight deck, as they were under orders, if they crossed over and hunf on the edge to deplane and pushed the plane over the edge.

Also, note that the then Lt. Col. Doolittles plane was frist off, keeping with the statment: "those giving the orders, lead!'

Rest well, to the entire flight!