it is pretty certain that the Japanese did NOT know of the attack before the planes were over Japan.”
The operation was sighted by Japanese “picket ships”, several of which were sunk, and rescuees interrogated. B-25s launched early.
Radio intercept from “MY CT2 Navy People”. Pictures and intel here:
https://stationhypo.com/?s=Doolittle+
“Too bad that their sacrifice is being thrown away today by our ‘leaders’.”
All the millions of border-crossers appreciate their sacrifice.
/