US crew number 1 of the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, who took part in the “Doolittle Raid” (aircraft number – 40-2344, target – Tokyo) from the 34th Bomber Squadron of the United States.
B-25 bomber, first row, from left to right:
Lt. Col., pilot James H. Doolittle;
Lieutenant, co-pilot Richard E. Cole.
B-25 bomber, the second row, from left to right:
Lieutenant, navigator Henry A. Potter;
Staff Sergeant, scorer Fred A. Braemer;
staff sergeant, flight engineer, shooter Paul J. Leonard.
After completing the combat mission, the crew No. 1 of the B-25 bomber jumped with a parachute over the territory of China and successfully returned to the territory occupied by the Allies. Staff Sergeant Paul J. Leonard died in the Battle of Africa on January 5, 1943. Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle was awarded the Medal of Honor by the US Congress and promoted to brigadier general.
Location: Pacific
Date: April 18, 1942