Lieutenant William M. Bower

Another significant event in William’s early life was his attendance at the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1932. At just 15 years old, William’s determination to witness this major aviation event was a testament to his growing commitment to aviation. The National Air Races were a showcase of cutting-edge aviation technology, featuring the most advanced aircraft and the most skilled pilots of the time. William, with his characteristic determination and resourcefulness, saved enough money for a train ticket and hitchhiked to the airport. Once there, he watched in awe as pilots performed daring maneuvers and competed in various races. Among the highlights of the event was James Doolittle’s victory in the Thompson Trophy Race, flying the Gee Bee R-1 Super Sportster, an aircraft that was a marvel of engineering, known for its speed and maneuverability

Read more about pilot William M. "Bill" Bower, in the upcoming book.  

Coming soon:

Book published by Air World.

THE TOKYO SIXTEEN, Doolttle's Brave Pilots (working title)

The book will contain 16 extensive biographies

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

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 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.