Doolittle Raid Reunion and Largest B-25 Gathering

seaknight15 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:39 pm

And If the PALM SPRINGS GROUP would get off there Butts We could get MITCH THE WITCH back in the air. All the hours I had Wrenching and Flying in it I'm sad that it just sits there. Wish we still had POF EAST.

Misterg97 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:49 pm

The Doolittle Raiders Association ins trying to secure sponsorships for the gathering. There will be a public autograph session, a dinner (fee based) and a free concert at Wright State University's Nutter Center. Looks like a busy weekend.

gary1954 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:24 pm

mustangdriver wrote:

I am going to say no just because it was one of the first aircraft placed in the building when they restacked it several years ago. It is at the other end from the doors and in the Hornet display. The B-25 on display at the NMUSAF is actually a D model that was restored to B standards for the Doolittle PR events and eventual display at Dayton. Doolittle flew this B-25 on more than one occassion.

yup originally a Delta model, then stripped and converted/redsignated as an F10 and remained an F10 untill she was pulled from DM and flown to Inglewood and overhauled

Taylor Stevenson · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:43 pm

25 is pretty ambitious. I don't think it can be done, but it'd be cool to see. Good luck. CAF has 5 flying (off the top of my head). That'll be an interesting invitation (if it happens).

Hal B · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:50 pm

spookythecat wrote:

John Sessions made mention of taking "Grumpy" to a gathering in April. This must be it. Now to practice my stowaway abilities.

Which explains why John said he was going to keep the bomb bay tank in place for now. Either greater range or to eliminate a hiding place for stowaways

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:51 pm

I'm trying to push for the museum to do something similar when the Memphis Belle is complete with B-17s. Similar to what they did in Memphis.

rwdfresno · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:53 am

gary1954 wrote:

mustangdriver wrote:

I am going to say no just because it was one of the first aircraft placed in the building when they restacked it several years ago. It is at the other end from the doors and in the Hornet display. The B-25 on display at the NMUSAF is actually a D model that was restored to B standards for the Doolittle PR events and eventual display at Dayton. Doolittle flew this B-25 on more than one occassion.

yup originally a Delta model, then stripped and converted/redsignated as an F10 and remained an F10 untill she was pulled from DM and flown to Inglewood and overhauled

Here is a picture of it back when it was an F-10. The fellow on the left is Virgil Thompson one of the key NAA guys behind the restoration. I have some great pictures of him in pilot seat as well as some just following restoration and it's dedication flight.

Ryan

Ken · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:11 am

Is Kermit's Apache Princess out of the mix?

Wiley Sanders sent Ol Grey Mare to the 60th reunion - where is that airplane these days - AZ? Mr Sanders still has Gerogia Mae and might send her to Dayton if he gets an invite from the Radiers Assoc ...

wacoykc · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:36 am

I too am really looking forward to this. My father was classmates with at least 5 of the Doolittle Raiders...Jack Simms, Richard Cole, Richard Knobloch just to name a few. They all graduated Class of 41-E. I am supposed to give Dick Cole a ride in my Waco when he attends the event as he wants to do this since he and my dad were friends. I just hope health-wise that this works out!

Obergrafeter · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:41 am

I hope they get at least 16. See if you can talk them into painting an outline of the Hornet on the tarmac and park the planes on it. Would be great to see and cost pennies to do.

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 7:49 am

Ober, that is a great idea!!

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:03 am

mustangdriver wrote:

Ober, that is a great idea!!

Second the motion! And since some of the B-25 guys did a demonstration of the short field techniques down in Florida earlier this year, maybe they could do that again as well!

Ryan

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:41 am

Ryan if there is anyway that I can help, I would be honored to.

bluehawk15 · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 9:33 am

I see Devil Dog was left off of the lists. All she needs is an engine, which she should have by April. It's in overhaul now, and they are halfway to raising the overhaul costs. If anyone has a piggy bank that they want to get rid of, send it to the Devil Dog Squadron!

The Yellow Rose has always enjoyed a close relationship with the Raiders, especially Dick Cole and the late Hank Potter. If there's anyway we can, we'll be there!

kalamazookid · **Posted:** Tue Nov 17, 2009 10:32 am

If they even get five, it will be worth the trip to me! Already making plans to be there.

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Doolittle Raid Reunion and Largest B-25 Gathering

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