Former Doolittle Raider returns to commemorate attack

  • Published
  • By Capt. Maria Lamas
  • Headquarters Pacific Air Forces
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii --  As the island of Oahu paused on Dec. 7 to remember the swift, surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 66 years ago, survivors, widows, family members, and visitors gathered from all over the world at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Pearl Harbor's Ford Island to commemorate and honor the lives of those whose were lost.

In remembrance of the details surrounding Dec. 7, 1941 "The day that will live in infamy," and America's entrance into World War II, the museum celebrated it's one year of operation with former Lt. Col.,  Mr. Richard E. Cole, the co-pilot for General Jimmy Doolittle (then a Lt. Col.) during the April 18, 1942 raid on Tokyo.

When the Pacific Aviation Museum opened its doors one year earlier on Dec. 6 2007, it was established to bring the details of the historic event and other events in Pacific aviation history to life.

The museum itself bears the scars of the attack as it is housed in Hangar 37, a former seaplane hangar that survived the Japanese strikes. "It's not every day you can walk on the spot where it all happened," said Mr. Cole. "This was a crucial turning point for the United States as we entered WW II and developed our airpower as we know it today."

Mr. Cole enlisted as a flying cadet in the Army Air Corps in November 1940 and completed his flying training in July 1941--less than a year before he would co-pilot the first modified B-25 to launch off the deck of the USS Hornet as part of the historic Doolittle Raid.

Among those who toured the museum and talked with Mr. Cole about his experiences was Maj. Gen. Gar Graham, Air Force Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services.

The Pacific Aviation Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the exhibits and educational programs visit the museum's website: www.pacificaviationmuseum.org.