Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Thousands Honor 5 of 9 Surviving Doolittle Raiders

The April 20th Air Force Link had an article about the April 16-18th 67th Doolittle's Raid Reunion held in Columbia, SC. Five of the nine surviving members attended.

There was a picture of Thomas Griffin, the navigator of Plane No. 8 signing autographs. In 1943, he was shot down over Germany, captured, and held prisoner until April 1945. So, this would be another anniversary for him as well.

A visible reminder of the flight deck of the USS Hornet was painted on the runway at the airport and, at least two of the Raiders went up in planes. Retired Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, who was Doolittle's co-pilot in Plane No. 1 flew a B-25 for a short while.

Raiders who attended:

Richard E. Cole of Comfort, Texas
Lt. Col. Edward Saylor
Thomas Griffin of Cincinnati, Ohio
Lt. Col. Robert L. Hite of Nashville, Tennessee
Staff-Sgt. David J. Thatcher of Missoula, Montana

The Doolittle Crest "Toujours an Danger", "Always into Danger" was passed on to the airmen of the 34th Bomb Squadron flagship B-1.

About 40 Raider children and grandchildren also attended. There have been Reunions every year but two since 1946. A great tradition to carry on.

The Greatest Generation.

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