On April 18, 1942, sixteen B25 Bombers, manned by eighty airmen, took off from the aircraft carrier, “USS Hornet”. 

Their mission, which was extremely dangerous, was to bomb Japanese military and industrial targets in retaliation for that nation’s attack on Pearl Harbor the previous December.

Lt. Colonel James “Jimmy” Doolittle, (who was later promoted to General) a well-known aviation pioneer, was chosen to lead that mission, which ultimately boosted morale in the United States and forced Japan into a more defensive strategy.

In this episode, we will be speaking with Doolittle’s granddaughter, Jonna Doolittle Hoppes, who will share stories about her grandfather’s early years, education, his contribution to early aviation and his war experiences, which included receiving the Medal of Honor from Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Jonna, who is an author and educator, will also tell us what it was like growing up as a grandchild of General Doolittle and his wife, Josephine.

Photo(s): Courtesy of Jonna Doolittle Hoppes

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man