James Doolittle

by Howard Koslow

Title

James Doolittle

Artist

Howard Koslow

Medium

Painting - Acrylic On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

When America entered World War I, James Doolittle's childhood interest in flying led him to join the aviation section of the Army Signal Corps. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and became a crack flight instructor. During the 1920s and 1930s, Doolittle won awards such as the Mackey trophy, and air competitions such as the Bendix Races. The Army Air Corps then sent him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a doctorate in aeronautical engineering. He retired from active duty to work for Shell Oil Company's aviation division, but held his reserve rank as major. In 1940, the threat of war prompted Doolittle's return to active duty. In 1941, the disaster of Pearl Harbor left American morale at a low ebb. In the spring of 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle led one of the most daring raids of the Second World War: a low-level bombing raid onTokyo. Leading a squadron of B-25s from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet (code named "Shangri-la"), Doolittle's men scored a victory for America while forcing the heretofore impregnable Japanese forces on the defensive. For his courageous leadership, Doolittle was promoted to brigadier general and awarded the Medal of Honor. He went on to lead the 12th and 8th Air Forces in Europe and played a leading role in defeating the Luftwaffe. Before his retirement he was promoted to lieutenant general.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1986 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB10558

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April 11th, 2022

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