National Museum of the USAF - Doolittle Raiders

Home > Doolittle Raiders

Doolittle Raiders Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony

Seventy-three years ago, 80 men achieved the unimaginable when they took off from an aircraft carrier on a top secret mission to bomb Japan. These men, led by Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, came to be known as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders.

In recognition of their outstanding heroism, valor, skill and service to the U.S. military during World War II, the Raiders will be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on April 15 by leaders of the U.S. House and Senate.

The medal, the highest civilian honor the U.S. Congress can bestow, will be presented to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force by Raider Lt. Col. Richard "Dick" E. Cole during a ceremony at the museum on April 18, the 73rd anniversary of the raid. Raider Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher is also planning to attend.

Museum News Releases

Doolittle Raiders share Congressional Gold Medal with the world 1

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders receive Congressional Gold Medal

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremonies to be streamed LIVE 1

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony

Media Coverage

Click on the following links to read/view some of the media coverage of the Doolittle Raiders Congressional Gold Medal Presentation.

Salem residents help Doolittle Tokyo Raiders to secure their legacy
April 29, 2015 - New Hampshire Union Leader

Doolittle Raid roots at Pendleton airfield
April 25, 2015 - East Oregonian

Last two 'Doolittle Raiders' give group's congressional medal to museum
April 19, 2015 - Japan Times

Doolittle Raider presents medal to Air Force Museum
April 18, 2015 - Dayton Daily News

Last 2 Raiders give Congressional Medal to Ohio museum
April 18, 2015 - The Ledger

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Donate Congressional Gold Medal to Museum
April 18, 2015 - ABC 22

Last two surviving Doolittle Tokyo Raiders give congressional medal to Ohio museum
April 18, 2015 - Daily Mail

Doolittle Raiders receive Congressional Gold Medal
April 18, 2015 - Piqua Daily Call

Doolittle Raiders receive Congressional Gold Medal
April 18, 2015 - Air Force Times

Doolittle Raid: Heroic tale well told
April 17, 2015 - The Herald

Navy's role in WWII 'Doolittle Raid' honored
April 16, 2015 - PopularMilitary.com

Doolittle Raiders honored in Capitol ceremony
April 15, 2015 - Stars and Stripes

Pilots who led 1942 air raid on Japan receive Congressional Gold Medal
April 15, 2015 - Columbus Dispatch

WWII Doolittle Raiders get Congressional Gold Medal
April 15, 2015 - Dayton Daily News

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders receive gold medal from congressional leadership
April 15, 2015 - Coin World

Ohio Air Force museum director to accept congressional gold medal for WWII heroes
April 15, 2015 - Associated Press

Ohio is honored to host World War II heroes
April 4, 2015 - Columbus Dispatch

Doolittle Raiders Congressional Medal
March 23, 2015 - Coin World

Gold Medal Ceremony for Doolittle Tokyo Raiders
March 19, 2015 - Speaker of the House John Boehner's Press Office

Public Event Schedule

Friday, April 17, 2015

4 p.m.
The Air Force Museum Theatre will show "The Doolittle Raid: A Mission that Changed the War" movie, with guest speaker Cindy Chal, daughter of Cole. Click here for more information.

Blue line

Saturday, April 18

10:55 a.m.
B-25 "Panchito" will fly by the museum during a ceremonial flight with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Throughout the Day
James M. Scott will autograph Target Tokyo, and Frank L. Goldstein will autograph The Last Reunion, 71st Doolittle Raiders Anniversary Reunion in the Museum Store.

4 p.m.
The Air Force Museum Theatre will show "The Doolittle Raid: A Mission that Changed the War" movie, with guest speaker Cindy Chal, daughter of Cole. Click here for more information.

6 p.m.
The Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony will take place at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. For those who do not have tickets, the ceremony will be streamed LIVE at www.af.mil/live.aspx.