If I remember correctly the last surviving member was supposed to drink a toast to the others but when all but one were gone, he was too old to attend a ceremony.
Brave, and capable men. I remember a program on “The History Channel” where a modern pilot attempted a takeoff from the same length as the Raiders did while practicing at Eglin Field.
When he couldn’t do it, he mentioned that they had 115 octane gas back then.
In the 20’s Doolittle worked for Shell and was instrumental in the development of high octane gas for aviation.
A fascinating man.
That makes a hell of a difference.
I had the honor and the privilege to meet Colonel Cole, SSgt David Thatcher and Colonel Ed Saylor at the last of the Doolittle Reunions in Fort Walton Beach, Florida with my dad who was a WWII vet.
Although each of them were well up in years, you could tell they were “special”. They still had a little bit of a swagger and if memory serves, Colonel Cole had the opportunity to fly in one of the B-25’s that were there.
It is my understanding Col. Cole actually landed the aircraft and the pilot who was with him told the crowd that it was as if he (Cole) had never stopped flying the ‘25.
It was an awesome three-day event that I will never forget.
God speed Colonel Cole, you are with your brothers now.