Posted on 10/08/2007 6:55:07 PM PDT by lunarbicep
The Raider Emblem
A Badge Of Valor The surviving members of the Doolittle Raid are united under a unique insignia commemorating their historic mission. The elements which make up the Raider Crest represent the crews who took part in the Tokyo Raid. The seven Maltese Crosses come from the standard of the 17th Bomber Group, from which three of the squadrons were selected the 34th Squadron, represented by the Thunderbird; the 95th Squadron, represented by the Kicking Mule; and the 37th Squadron, represented by the Tigers Head. The winged Helmet represents the 89th Reconnaissance Squadron. Above, a Mitchell B-25 Bomber climbs skyward; beneath, a memorable motto symbolizes the courage and spirit of the Doolittle team: Ever into peril.
R.I.P.
The Doolittle Raid and Leyte Gulf/Taffy 3 are two of the bravest actions in WWII.
IMHO.
May he rest in peace...
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Thank you very much.
A true American hero. A very big and heartfelt USAF salute to the gentleman. God’s speed.
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