Retired Lt. Colonel Richard Cole passed away a few weeks ago at 103 years of age. Cole was the last surviving member from the famed Doolittle Raid. The Doolittle Raid was America’s first counterattack against the Japanese mainland of World War 2.

The raid was a bold and creative plan utilizing B-25 Bombers launching off the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Bombers are not designed to take off from an aircraft carrier and to land on one is not possible. At the time, the United States war effort was a list of defeats. The nation desperately needed a victory while ramping up the war effort. A few inspired people determined the B-25 could take off from an aircraft carrier if modifications were made and weight reduced. As for landing again, the B-25’s would need to land in China. The task force carrying the raiders was discovered by Japanese picket ships 200 nautical miles from the desired launching point. As the United States was still reeling from the losses suffered at Pearl Harbor, the task force had to immediately leave the area to minimize the risk to the aircraft carrier. The decision was made to launch the B-25’s immediately. Despite the additional strain added to the range of the bomber and the likelihood of a crash landing, the Doolittle Raiders didn’t hesitate; they were ready to launch.

The Doolittle Raiders were led by legendary aviator Jimmy Doolittle. Doolittle was famous for winning air races and setting speed records. He also had a doctorate in aviation from MIT. Doolittle piloted the first plane to take off. Because Doolittle’s plane was first, it had the shortest available takeoff space. Doolittle’s co-pilot was Richard Cole, the last raider who recently passed away. The Raiders went on to bomb Tokyo. After the bombing run, most of the raiders landed, crashed or ditched in China. Some were rescued by local Chinese citizens; some were killed in action, and some were captured as POWs. While the raid resulted in limited damage, the attack on the mainland changed the Japanese war strategy in a way that helped the Americans achieve ultimate victory.

Many of the raiders returned to action making key contributions to the war effort. Jimmy Doolittle received the Medal of Honor and went on to become one of the leading generals in the European theater.

Participating in such a dramatic and courageous event draws a group of people close together. For many years after the war, the raiders gathered together to remember their fallen comrades. They had a set of goblets made with each raiders name engraved. When a member of the group passed away, their glass was turned upside down. The engraved name is upside down and right side up so the member’s name can always be read. There was a bottle of 1896 cognac included designed to be drunk as a final toast to the Doolittle Raiders by the last two survivors. This final toast was made in 2013 with Richard Cole in attendance.

The Doolittle Raiders inspire me in many ways. There is something magical about the comradery that comes with accomplishing something important when young. Adding to this magic is the bonus of achieving a significant accomplishment with a group of like focused people. As seen with the Doolittle Raiders, these relationships are rich and last a lifetime. This raid was so profound; it shaped the remainder of the participant’s lives and is still revered after over 75 years.

What are the attributes that caused these men to risk their lives during the prime life on a one-way mission that yielded more psychological than tangible results? The courage displayed by this event is not the reckless adventures of youth but the belief and conviction in an objective that calls for selfless sacrifice. Some folks believe that this level of service will fade away with the “Greatest Generation.” I think that we have the potential for this sort of service today. Given similar circumstances, people of today would respond the same way as the Doolittle Raiders. It is vital to understand narratives like the Doolittle Raiders as they remind us about the inspiring and honorable potential of the human spirit. I suggest everyone read the full account of the Doolittle Raiders called “30 Seconds Over Tokyo” written by Ted Lawson, one of the raiders.

Richard Cole lived a life worth remembering. His humble quote regarding his role in the raid reflects his spirit. “We were just doing our job, part of the big picture, and happy that what we did was helpful.” The world needs more people like Richard Cole.

Make the most of this day!