On April 18, 1942, the Pacific War entered its second year. After the shock and pain of Pearl Harbor, the United States was determined to retaliate. As a result, a bold and risky air raid plan unfolded in Tokyo, Japan.
The USS Hornet, the most advanced and newest aircraft carrier of the US Navy, carried B-25 Mitchell bombers that can take off within 200 meters, and was escorted by the USS Enterprise and other warships to form a task force, quietly sailing away from the San Francisco military port and heading for Japan, which is more than 13,000 kilometers away. By the time the pilots received the order, the Hornet had long since moved away from the mainland and into the depths of the Pacific Ocean.
At 8:17 a.m. on April 18, 1942, the first B-25 bomber piloted by Doolittle successfully took off from the aircraft carrier Hornet.
Thirteen bombers pounced on Tokyo, another three on Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka. However, when approaching Chinese mainland, due to bad weather, the crew did not find the intended landing airport, and the members of 11 planes parachuted, 4 forced landings, and 1 flew to Vladivostok, and the Soviets detained the planes and crews.
During the bombing mission, three people were killed, eight were taken prisoner (three were killed, one died of illness, and four were rescued after the war), five were seized by the Soviet Union, and 15 B-25s were forced to land and were destroyed. Although it paid a huge price, the bombing brought a huge shock to Japan and strengthened the determination of the American people to resist Japan.
Although Doolittle's air raid on Tokyo failed to deal a serious military blow to Japan, it had far-reaching consequences. The operation not only boosted the morale of the American people, but also made Japan aware of the growing threat they faced in the Pacific theater. In addition, this operation also laid the foundation for the later Battle of Midway and victory in the Pacific War.
Although Doolittle's air raid on Tokyo failed to change the course of the war, it became a symbol of the indomitable and resolute resistance of the American people to aggression. The historic significance of this operation is far-reaching, not only demonstrating the resolve and courage of the United States, but also reminding us of the cruelty of war and the preciousness of peace.
As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of Doolittle's air raid on Tokyo, we should remember this history and remember those who fought valiantly to defend their homeland. At the same time, we should also cherish peace and strive to avoid the recurrence of the tragedy of war. Only in this way can we truly realize the vision of lasting peace and prosperity.