Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle

Coming soon:

Book published by Pen and Sword UK/USA.

THE TOKYO SIXTEEN, The Heroes of Doolttle's Raid on Japan in April 1942.

The book will contain 16 extensive biographies

of the 16 pilots involved in the daring Doolittle Raid during World War II.

Compiled by myself, the webmaster of this website. Visit the pilot pages on this website for the latest updates regarding the publication of the book.  Or visit the Facebook page associated with this website on: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093570602530

The Tokyo Sixteen concludes with a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of the pilots who took part in Doolittle's Raid. By delving into their personal stories and military careers, readers gain profound insights into the essence of heroism. This book serves as a tribute to their courage, determination, and significant impact on history. The stories not only captivate but also inspire, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

List of the 16 Pilots and Their Crews During the Doolittle Raid:

1. Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle
2. Lieutenant Travis Hoover
3. Lieutenant Robert M. Gray
4. Lieutenant Everett W. Holstrom
5. Captain David M. Jones
6. Lieutenant Dean E. Hallmark
7. Lieutenant Ted W. Lawson
8. Captain Edward J. York
9. Lieutenant Harold F. Watson
10. Lieutenant Richard O. Joyce
11. Captain Charles R. Greening
12. Lieutenant William M. Bower
13. Lieutenant Edgar E. McElroy
14. Major John A. Hilger
15. Lieutenant Donald G. Smith
16. Lieutenant William G. Farrow

These pilots embarked on a perilous mission, knowing they might not return to the USS Hornet. The B-25 bombers were loaded to capacity with fuel and bombs, making takeoff from the carrier exceptionally challenging. After the raid, many crews crash-landed in China or ditched their planes at sea. Some were captured by the Japanese, while others were aided by Chinese civilians. Despite these difficulties, the raid provided a significant morale boost for the United States and had a lasting impact on the Pacific War.

Tragically, four of the pilots did not survive the Second World War. Lieutenant Dean E. Hallmark (Crew 6) and Lieutenant William G. Farrow (Crew 16) were executed by the Japanese after capture. Lieutenant Robert M. Gray (Crew 3) and Lieutenant Donald G. Smith (Crew 15) perished in aircraft crashes during the war. These men’s sacrifices remain a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the daring actions taken during one of World War II's most audacious raids.

Jimmy Doolittle in China:

Doolittle himself landed in a remote rice field littered with fertilizer. Although he had freed himself from the plane, he found himself in an unpleasant situation, entirely covered in mud and human waste, which was used as fertilizer. After folding his parachute, he spotted a farmhouse in the distance and decided to head in that direction. He knocked on the door, but no one answered. Moving on, he came upon another building, only to his dismay to discover it was a local mortuary, where he encountered the body of an elderly Chinese man.

Chilled by the harsh weather, Doolittle took shelter in the mortuary and waited there until daylight. The following morning, he continued walking and met a Chinese farmer who did not speak English. Attempting to ask for help, Doolittle drew a train on a piece of paper, but the farmer didn’t understand and instead took him to a Free Chinese Army military post. However, Doolittle was met with distrust; the soldiers didn’t believe his story and asked for proof of his identity.

To prove who he was, Doolittle tried to lead the soldiers to where he had hidden his parachute, but upon arriving, they found it was gone. This only heightened the suspicion of the Chinese officers, and the situation became increasingly tense. The owner of the farmhouse, where Doolittle had knocked earlier, claimed he hadn’t heard any knocking, further fueling doubts. Just as tensions were about to escalate, two Chinese soldiers emerged from the farmhouse with Doolittle’s parachute.

Realizing who he was, the Chinese soldiers’ attitude shifted completely. They offered their full cooperation and thanked Doolittle for the brave attack on Tokyo. They promised to assist in locating other crew members who might have landed in the area with their parachutes. This gave Doolittle reassurance that he could count on the Chinese for support—a crucial signal amid the chaos.

The Chinese eventually took Doolittle to a Free Chinese Army military post, where he could contact the higher command of the Free Chinese Army and the American military base in Chongqing. A collaboration was established, marking the beginning of an organized search for the other Doolittle Raid crew members.

After the crash, James Doolittle reunited with his other crew members somewhat later at the Free Chinese Army outpost. Navigator Henry A. Potter, bombardier Fred A. Braemer, and gunner Paul J. Leonard were also brought to the Chinese military post, accompanied by a group of civilians and a guerrilla chief from the Free Army. Co-pilot Richard E. Cole also eventually arrived at the camp.