Doolittle's Raiders: A Final Toast

Most Americans know the story of Pearl Harbor, but many would scratch their heads if asked to name the first U.S. retaliatory attack on foreign soil launched during WWII. That distinction goes to a group of bomber crews called “Doolittle's Raiders,” who went after Japanese industrial targets following America's entry into the war. Told through historic footage and interviews with the last survivors (who gather every year for a memorial ceremony to raise a toast with personalized chalices—some overturned to show that a crew member has passed), writer-director Tim Gray's documentary—hosted by Gary Sinise—tells the story of the daring raid led by Col. James Doolittle, an all-volunteer mission that was never intended to do serious damage to Japan, but rather to raise U.S. morale and shake Japanese confidence. The plan was to launch B-25 bombers from aircraft carriers close to Japanese shores. B-25s normally needed 700 feet of runway to get airborne but carriers offered only 450 feet (or less)—a challenge that was met by optimizing the weight of each plane, coupled with rigorous testing on Florida airfields. Friendly relations with China helped many of Doolittle's raiders find safe landing fields and passage after the attack. While the mission successfully achieved its purpose, several crew members died (some were captured and executed in occupied China). A solid chronicle of a lesser-known event in WWII history, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)