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Early in 2007,
the Lone Star Flight Museum’s B-25 was painted in a very special color
scheme. It has become an airborne memorial to the men who flew 16
Mitchell's from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise on the morning of April
18th 1942. Their task was to deliver retribution for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour.
That mission was to become world famous for the courage and daring it
represented. Its leader's name has become linked for all time with the five
man crews that flew into history that day. They are the Doolittle Raiders.
Lone Star's B-25 is the only civilian
aircraft that carries the Doolittle Raider emblem and it does so with
the official blessing of the Doolittle Raider Association. In
this guise this year, it has
carried some of the last remaining survivors of that mission. Men who
are now in
the sunset years of their lives.
I have the privilege of sitting where these gallant men have
sat. I wonder if their flight was full of memories of the time
when they flew a similar airplane into battle sixty five years ago.
To fly in any B-25 is always a treat. But this ride is special.
As we scoot around thunder clouds
and the setting sun dips towards the horizon, my imagination is
drawn again to think of
those Doolittle Raiders. Looking for a safe landfall on main land
China in as the flew into the twilight. Their future was far from
certain. For some capture and imprisonment, others suffered torture and
death. For the fortunate, freedom awaited them. And for their leader,
Jimmy Doolittle, America's highest award, the Medal of Honour.
The dedicated people at the Lone Star
Flight Museum ensure that the legend of the Doolittle Raiders lives on
today.
Thanks to pilots Charlie "Tuna" Hainline
and Dan Blanchard ~ flying left and right seat respectively. And thanks
too to Lone Star Flight Museum's President, Larry Gregory
for holding the ride for me ! |
