Learning Center
Our Enshrinees
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Pilot, Record Setter, & Military Leader
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Enshrined: 1967
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Birth: December 14, 1896
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Death: September 27, 1993
James “Jimmy” Doolittle
- Directed experimental flying at McCook Field.
- Made the first air crossing of the U.S. in under 24 hours in 1922.
- Won the Schneider Cup Seaplane Race in 1925 and made the first outside loop in 1927.
- Made the world’s first totally blind flight on September 24, 1929.
- Won the Thompson Trophy in 1932 flying the Gee Bee R-1 at a speed of 296 mph saying it was the most dangerous airplane he ever flew.
- Flew in the National Air Races, winning the Transport, the Bendix, and the Thompson Trophy races.
- Lead the famous B-25 Tokyo raid in April 1942 from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
- Commanded the 12th Air Force in North Africa and the Eighth Air Force in England from 1944 to 1945.
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Pilot, Record Setter, & Military Leader
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Enshrined: 1967
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Birth: December 14, 1896
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Death: September 27, 1993
You’re Invited 2023 Enshrinement
Join us for the “Oscar Night of Aviation” as we induct a new group of aviation leaders into the National Aviation Hall of Fame!
Friday, September 22, 2023
National Building Museum | Washington, DC
Sponsorships are now available!
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