Wed, Jan 13, 2010
April Gathering At The Air Force Museum In Dayton
The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders are planning their 68th reunion
celebration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
in Dayton, Ohio April 15 thought the 19th, including an aviation
historic first.
A gathering of North American Mitchell B-25 bombers are being
collected from all over the United States and Canada to arrive in
Dayton to take part in the reunion. The U.S. Air Force and has
taken steps to receive the aircraft at Wright Field located on the
Museums property to be put on display for the public to review to
meet the crews and the Doolittle Raiders in person. A flyover of
Dayton and the museum are also scheduled.
The North American Mitchell B-25 was the aircraft selected by
Lt. Colonel James H. Doolittle to deliver the first bombing raid on
Japan on April 18th 1942. The Mitchell soon became the AAF
pilots favorite twin engine bomber and used in every theater of
WWII not only as a high level bomber but after a number of
modifications was used as a low level attack bomber. Nearly 10,000
were produced, and today there are approximately two hundred
located in museums around the world, and over forty still
air-worthy and seen at most major air shows world wide.
Over thirty eight Mitchell owners were contacted in recent
months to see if they would participate in a Mitchell B-25 Tribute
to the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. All the owners volunteered to come
for he cost of fuel and housing expenses. It was decided to choose
twenty-five of the planes capable of reaching Dayton without an
overnight or fuel stop. These aircraft were contacted to
participate if the funds were available to help pay their expenses.
It's estimated that at least $200,000 would need to be raised to
make it happen.
Plans to receive the planes and all logistics are in place where
the aircraft will rendezvous upon arrival on April 15 in Urbana,
Ohio. The Aircraft and Crew Members will be guests of the Champaign
Aviation Museum. The pilot briefing will be held in the Museum and
the Aircraft will be serviced by the Grimes Field FBO before their
flight to Wright Field on Saturday morning April 17th. The planes
will return to Grimes Field on April 18th after the ceremonies at
Wright Field. The Museum, Grimes Field Airport and the City of
Urbana are honored to be part of this historical event.
The National Museum with the ambition this could be the very
last public reunion of these great American icons, and have pulled
out all the stops to have a major turnout, including all the US Air
Force officials including the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the
USAF present. With eight surviving Raiders, it is possible that
seven will be on hand to enjoy this important and gala tribute to
them.
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