We are greatly saddened to report; that the last Doolittle Raider has flown West...
Richard E. Cole USAF (September 7, 1915 - April 9, 2019) served as co-pilot with Jimmy Doolittle in the lead plane of the raid. On April 18, 1942, Doolittle and his B-25 crew took off from the Hornet, reached Japan, bombed their target, then headed for their recovery airfield in China, only to run their fuel tanks dry at 12 hours into the mission, at night, in stormy weather over mainland China. Doolittle and his crew, including Richard Cole bailed out safely over China.
Richard E Cole, the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders flew West today, at the age of 103
"Common sense is wisdom with its sleeves rolled up." -Kyle Farnsworth "Freedom of Speech does not guarantee freedom from consequences." -Mike Rowe "Democracies aren't overthrown, they're given away." -George Lucas
Posts: 6880 | Location: IL, due south of the Arch | Registered: April 20, 2005
It's really hard for us to imagine the courage it took to fly that mission and also the huge effect it had on morale for the United States public at that time. Things were not looking so good - our forces were being overrun everywhere. With 20/20 hindsight it's really hard to understand the real anxiety and doubt over how things would turn out at that stage of the war. These men provided a much needed jolt. Godspeed.
Crew No. 1 in front of B-25#40-2344 on the deck of Hornet, 18 April 1942. From left to right: (front row) Lt. Col. Doolittle, pilot; Lt. Richard E. Cole, copilot; (back row) Lt. Henry A. Potter, navigator; SSgt. Fred A. Braemer, bombardier; SSgt. Paul J. Leonard, flight engineer/gunner.
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” - John Adams
Posts: 29408 | Location: In the red hinterlands of Deep Blue VA | Registered: June 29, 2001
Although inevitable, this hit me hard, being the absolute end of an era.
I read an article from AF Times that said Cole was stationed in Columbia, SC when a notice on the bulletin board asked for volunteers for a secret and dangerous mission. His entire Group signed up!
-------------------------- Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. -- H L Mencken
I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is. -- JALLEN 10/18/18
Posts: 9481 | Location: Illinois farm country | Registered: November 15, 2008
What a fabulous generation these men lived in. Simply pure guts and determination helped win the war, I'm proud to have served in the military preceded by men like this.
RIP in pease sir, we've got it now.
Posts: 3873 | Location: 1,960' up in Murphy, NC | Registered: January 29, 2008
A few years back I had the distinct pleasure to listen to one of the Raider’s, Ed Saylor, talk about his experience at an air show. I believe it may have been his last public appearance as he passed away about 6 months later.
Words like “Fascinating” and “Mesmerizing” doesn’t even begin to describe it. The word “Hero” is tossed about so freely these days that it really cheapens it. These men and others like them are true heros. We could use some more like them to bring this country together in these times.
Sad to see what was inevitable happen, I think I will read a few of the books about the raid in tribute.
What part of "...Shall not be infringed" don't you understand???
Posts: 11494 | Location: Western WA state for just a few more years... | Registered: February 17, 2006
