Biographical Sketches

JAMES "Jimmy" HAROLD DOOLITTLE

Born: December 14, 1896    In: Alameda, CA
Died: September 27, 1993    In: Pebble Beach, CA

Flyer James Harold Doolittle is the most famed member of the Class of 1914 at Los Angeles’ Manual Arts High School reported Time magazine on Jan 28, 1935. In our fledgling air service, "Jimmy" Doolittle first flew with the Border Patrol, then completed the Air Service’s mechanics course at Kelly Field and was assigned to the engineering school at McCook Field, where he later directed experimental flying. In 1922 he made the first transcontinental flight in less than a day’s time.

In the years between the Wars, his name spread far and wide as an aviation pioneer. As a test pilot, Doolittle earned a reputation as a daredevil who would try anything in an airplane, when in reality his analytical mind calculated every risk -- each "stunt" had a specific purpose for the advancement of aeronautics. In such fashion, in 1927 he attempted the first outside loop, subjecting himself and his aircraft to more stress than had ever been endured. True to his calculations, he survived. His modest reply to reporters asking why he risked the impossible: "I just thought of it on the spur of the moment!"

Numerous records were accomplished by Doolittle as a test pilot and racer, including the first crossing of the continent in less than a day in 1922. He is also credited with the first blind flight and instrument landing in 1929.

During the ’20s and ’30s, when exploits of Babe Ruth and Red Grange were found in the sports sections, the National Air Races were front page news, and the superstar of that heroic sport was Jimmy Doolittle. He was the only one to win all three of the most coveted prizes in air racing -- the Schneider trophy for seaplanes, and the Bendix and the Thompson trophies. His victory in the 1932 Thompson came in the most famous and ultra-dangerous of race planes, the Gee Bee R-l. With its stubby, barrel shape and tiny fins, it "flew like a bullet!" and proved just as deadly.

Returning to active duty in the USAAF, his historic April 1942 Japanese raid on the Japanese mainland -- the first offensive blow of World War 2 against Japan -- proved conclusively that they were not invincible and earned him the Medal of Honor. Doolittle went on to distinguish himself as a Commanding General in various theaters of combat around the globe. Retiring from military service, he continued to serve as consultant to the USAF in aerospace developments, as well as on the board of directors of a number of major U.S. corporations. For his lifetime of achievements, he received most every major aviation honor. ( -- K O Eckland)

Enshrined in National Aviation Hall of Fame 1967.

REFERENCES:
The Amazing Mr Doolittle, Quentin Reynolds (1953)
Bomber Commander: The Life of James H Doolittle, Thomas L, & Jablonski (Sidgwick & Jackson 1977)
Doolittle; Lowell Thomas & Edward Jablonski (Da Capo 1976)

Denotes an individual known to have soloed an aircraft prior to December 16, 1917, whether they were members of the "Early Birds of Aviation" Organization or not.