The Doolittle Raid

The Doolittle Raid, executed on April 18, 1942, was a pivotal moment in World War II. Led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, sixteen B-25 bombers launched from the USS Hornet to strike Tokyo and other Japanese cities. This daring operation was America's first air raid on the Japanese mainland and served as a significant morale booster for the United States. Despite minimal strategic impact, the raid marked a critical shift in the Pacific War, showcasing American resolve and foreshadowing Japan's vulnerability to air attacks.