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A navigator to remember

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  Encased in wood and glass, lay 80 engraved, sterling silver goblets which represent each member of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. Another silver goblet is turned upside down in remembrance of their fallen brethren-only 14 remain right-side up.

"I am one of 14 Raiders who remain alive from the 1942 Tokyo bombing," said Maj. Thomas C. Griffin. 

Shortly after the devastating carrier aircraft attack at Pearl Harbor that brought the United States into the World War II, 80 volunteers were called by Lt. Col. James Doolittle to a secret mission to strike at the heart of Japan -- Tokyo.

Major Griffin, 34th Bombardment Squadron, 17th Group was part of the crew from the ninth aircraft that left from the USS Hornet on April 18, 1942, to bomb Japan's capital city; he was the navigator of a five-man B-25 crew.

Major Griffin and his comrades were charged with the arduous task of executing the first attack on Japan's mainland during World War II. He recalls the events of the mission as if it were yesterday. "We caught them by surprise and no one was shot down. It was wonderful," the major said. Major Griffin and the crew of aircraft No.9 were successful in the bombing of one of their main targets -- a large electric and gas company.

All 16 Doolittle Raider planes headed for China in an attempt to escape. "It wasn't until 15 hours later we started having problems," Major Griffin said. "We were almost out of fuel and we encountered a very severe storm."

The entire five-man crew from aircraft No.9 was forced to bail out of their B-25, but only the pilot sustained injuries. Fortunately, the group was able to evade Japan's search parties in China. However, Major Griffin's luck would soon take a turn for the worst.

After the Tokyo raid, "I was a navigator on B-26s," the major said. "It was July of 1943 and I was shot down over North Africa." Major Griffin was unable to evade the Nazi forces and was eventually captured. He remained a POW until his release in April 1945, and then returned home to the United States.

Major Griffin has had a lot to reflect on over the past 65 years. "In 1982, after my service, I started an accounting business in Cincinnati," he said. However, some of his fondest memories are of his Raider family. "We've had a great run! Only two or three reunions have been missed -- everyone is family," Major Griffin said. 

This year's 65th Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Anniversary was held at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

The Raider ceremonies serve as a great opportunity to reunite these World War II warriors, but that is not its only purpose. The reunions not only offer a chance to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives, but provide an outlet for Airmen and civilians alike to learn first hand about the history of that era. It is a rarity to be able to speak with someone - let alone 14 of them - who have played such a crucial role in our freedom.