Doolittle Raiders Final Toast Scheduled for November

After their last reunion in April, the remaining four Doolittle Raiders will privately gather for their final toast November 9th at the National Museum of the Air Force.

Today, just four of the men survive: Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, co-pilot of crew No. 1; Lt. Col. Robert L. Hite, co-pilot of crew No. 16; Lt. Col. Edward J. Saylor, engineer-gunner of crew No. 15; and Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher, engineer-gunner of crew No. 7…

Each year, the remaining Raiders have toasted their comrades and turned over the goblets of those who passed away the prior year.  The original plan had been for the final two to open a celebratory bottle of cognac in a last gathering.  Due to age and health concerns, they decided to make this their final year.

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