At least 20 B-25 Mitchell bombers to take part in tribute to Doolittle Tokyo Raiders

DAYTON, Ohio — One of the largest gatherings of B-25 Mitchell bombers since World War II is set to take place as part of a tribute to the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders during their 68th reunion at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, April 16-18.

At least 20 aircraft from across the nation are scheduled to land on the runway behind the museum on the morning of April 17. The aircraft will then be placed on static display from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., for the public to get an up-close look at each plane and meet the pilots and crews.

On April 18 at 1 p.m., the aircraft will take-off and fly over the museum in a formation flight prior to the Doolittle Raiders Memorial Service in the museum’s Memorial Park.

These outdoor reunion events are weather contingent and subject to change. (See the full reunion schedule including event times at http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/doolittle.asp).

Before and after the museum reunion events, the B-25s will stage out of Grimes Field in Urbana, Ohio, to practice formation flights, and will offer public rides and static displays.

For more information on the events at Grimes Field in Urbana, visit www.champaignaviationmuseum.org.

On April 18, 1942, 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.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission and parking are free.

Nikki

Nikki is a writer and editor for Do It Yourself RV, RV LIFE, and Camper Report. She is based on the Oregon Coast and has traveled all over the Pacific Northwest.