Lieutenant William G. Farrow

About Bill Farrow his car keys found in England in 1988.

It was an early autumn afternoon in 1998 when Buckmaster, while inspecting the edges of his fields, noticed something glinting in the sunlight. Dangling from a low-hanging limb of an old oak tree was a small chain. As he drew closer, he realized it was not just a piece of discarded metal. The chain held several old keys, now rusted with age, and attached to them was a metal tag, weathered but still legible.

Curiosity piqued, and Buckmaster gently removed the chain from the tree. As he wiped away the dirt and examined the tag, the words became clearer: “William G. Farrow, Darlington, S.C.” The tag was a South Carolina driver's license, American, and very far from home. 

Read more about Pilot Bill Farrow, in the upcoming book.  

Coming soon:

THE TOKYO SIXTEEN, Doolttle's Brave Pilots

Book published by Air World/Pen and Sword

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 and accompanying Facebook page. 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.

Decorations:

His Distinguished Flying Cross Citation:

For extraordinary achievement while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on April 18, 1942. 1st Lieutenant Farrow volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on Lieutenant Farrow and the military service.

The Congressional Gold Medal:

The Doolittle Raiders were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (April 15, 2015), the highest civilian honor the USA Congress can give, four years after the award was proposed and 70 years after the famed mission.