DOOLITTLE'S TOKYO RAIDERS

SUMMARY: This offering is a map that was signed on the USS Hornet before the mission to bomb Japan in April 1942. Price:

SOLD

Bound for Tokyo, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle launches his B-25 Mitchell from the heaving deck of the carrier USS Hornet on the morning of 18 April, 1942. Leading a sixteen-bomber force on their long distance one - way (one could substitute suicide for one-way) mission, the Doolittle Raiders completed the first strike at the heart of Imperial Japan since the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor four months earlier. Together, they completed one of the most audacious air raids in aviation history. When FDR was asked where the flight originated he replied "Shaingra la" with an all-knowing look on his face.

This offering is one of the most incredible and important artifacts from the Doolittle rais we have ever handled. The item is a 11 in. x 17 in.map that was abord the USS Hornet. The map is 11 in. x 17 in.and depicts Japan and the coast of China. China is of course where the raiders planed to ditch their aircraft since they knew they would not have enough fuel to get back to the carrier the USS Hornet that of course turned back after it launched its planed.The following signed the map with fountain pen signatures (some with rank): Jimmy Doolittle, Richard Cole, W.N. Fitzhugh , James Matthews (owner of map), Robert M. Gray, Thomas Griffin, Everett W. Holstrom, D.E. Hallmark, R.L. Hatzell, R.L. Hite, F.A. Kaeppler, L. N. Youngblood, R.L. Wildner, C.R. Greening, R.O. Joyce, R.R. Wilder and Griffith Williams as well as several others.There are in excess of 40 signatures on the map.

Almost every older American knows the major details of the raid and the heroism involved.But what is less known is that this raid sparked the Japanese to attack Midway Island in order to establish a base to prevent further attacks on their homeland. That battle was the real beginning of the end for the Japanese navy.Thus the Doolittle mission had not only important symbolic and morale boosting importance but it turned out to have important strategic significance.

Like many undertakings of this kind there are some interesting stories within the story. For example, C.R. Greening survived the raid and ended up a POW of the Germans because he was sent to the European theater to serve there for the duration.He was shot down over Germany after which he was taken prisioner and served out the war in captivity.

Provenance: This map was the property of Mathews, James D., Lt., Navigator who was aboard the USS Hornet but who did not go on the mission. *** His signature is on the map.

***http://www.doolittleraider.com/80_brave_men.htm

All items sold by the History Buff, Inc. come with documentation and a certified opinion as to authenticity.

Price:SOLD