By: HISTORY.com Editors

1942

Doolittle leads air raid on Tokyo

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: February 09, 2010

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On April 18, 1942, 16 American B-25 bombers, launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet 650 miles east of Japan and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle, attack the Japanese mainland.

The now-famous Tokyo Raid did little real damage to Japan (wartime Premier Hideki Tojo was inspecting military bases during the raid; one B-25 came so close, Tojo could see the pilot, though the American bomber never fired a shot)—but it did hurt the Japanese government’s prestige. Believing the air raid had been launched from Midway Island, approval was given to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto’s plans for an attack on Midway—which would also damage Japanese “prestige.” Doolittle eventually received the Medal of Honor.

A book describing the raid, 30 Seconds Over Tokyo by Ted Lawson, was adapted into a film starring Spencer Tracy in 1944.

How the 1942 Doolittle Raid Buoyed US Spirits

A little more than four months after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States struck back on April 18, 1942, with the daring Doolittle Raid.

The Doolittle Raid's Crew #1. From left: Lt. Henry A. Potter, navigator; Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, pilot; SSgt. Fred A. Braemer, bombardier; Lt. Richard E. Cole, copilot; SSgt. Paul J. Leonard, flight engineer/gunner. (Credit: U.S. Air Force)

By: Christopher Klein

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Citation Information

Article title: Doolittle leads air raid on Tokyo
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-18/doolittle-leads-air-raid-on-tokyo

Date Accessed: June 30, 2025
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: February 09, 2010

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