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The Doolittle Raid: America's Daring First Strike Against Japan
The complete account of one of the biggest gambles and most harrowing stories of courage to come out of World War II.
Five months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt and military leaders decided to boost American morale by undertaking a daring offensive against Japan. Giles personally interviewed most of Doolittle’s surviving raiders to produce this dramatic and authentic story.
Five months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt and military leaders decided to boost American morale by undertaking a daring offensive against Japan. Giles personally interviewed most of Doolittle’s surviving raiders to produce this dramatic and authentic story.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 12, 1988
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208 people want to read
About the author
Carroll V. Glines
38 books14 followersCarroll Vane Glines, who retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel after twenty-seven years of service, is historian for the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders and curator of the Doolittle Library at the University of Texas at Dallas. He has been published in a number of publications and written and co-authored numerous books on military and aviation history.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 14, 2014
I came across this book after I heard a question on Jeopardy regarding Doolittle's Raiders. I had never heard of him before, let alone his coordinating and participating the first strike against Japan after they bombed us at Pearl Harbor.
This book is written by Carroll Glines, the official biographer of Doolittle's Raiders and he painstakingly interviewed many of the Raiders in the late 80's. I liked how, after the mission started, he separated out the flight crews and described what they did and what happened to them after they bombed Tokyo. Most of the planes landed safely in China, which resulted the Japanese slaughtering 125,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians in retaliation for assisting the crews.
About 8 of the men were interred in Japanese POW camps and were subjected to torture, as only the Japanese could do. I have to say - between reading this and having previously read "Unbroken", I am shocked at the atrocities inflicted by the Japanese during the war.
Once the war was over, these amazing men started the tradition of having an annual reunion. Each year, using a silver cup engraved with their name, a toast is raised to those Raiders that went before them. When a member is deceased, the cup is turned over (their name is actually engraved twice on the cup, so it can be read upside down, or rightside up). There is also a bottle of cognac from 1896 (the year of Jim Doolittle's birth) encased with the cups. Doolittle stipulated that the cognac was to be drunk by the last two remaining members of the crew.
As of November 11, 2013, there were 4 members of Doolittle's Raiders left. On this Veteran's Day, they decided that this would be their last reunion and they drank the cognac and toasted all those that had gone before them. They felt this was Doolittle's Raiders last mission.
This book is written by Carroll Glines, the official biographer of Doolittle's Raiders and he painstakingly interviewed many of the Raiders in the late 80's. I liked how, after the mission started, he separated out the flight crews and described what they did and what happened to them after they bombed Tokyo. Most of the planes landed safely in China, which resulted the Japanese slaughtering 125,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians in retaliation for assisting the crews.
About 8 of the men were interred in Japanese POW camps and were subjected to torture, as only the Japanese could do. I have to say - between reading this and having previously read "Unbroken", I am shocked at the atrocities inflicted by the Japanese during the war.
Once the war was over, these amazing men started the tradition of having an annual reunion. Each year, using a silver cup engraved with their name, a toast is raised to those Raiders that went before them. When a member is deceased, the cup is turned over (their name is actually engraved twice on the cup, so it can be read upside down, or rightside up). There is also a bottle of cognac from 1896 (the year of Jim Doolittle's birth) encased with the cups. Doolittle stipulated that the cognac was to be drunk by the last two remaining members of the crew.
As of November 11, 2013, there were 4 members of Doolittle's Raiders left. On this Veteran's Day, they decided that this would be their last reunion and they drank the cognac and toasted all those that had gone before them. They felt this was Doolittle's Raiders last mission.
June 10, 2024
Loved it. I've never known such a non-fiction page turner. Could hardly put it down. It's very American, so lots of American propaganda. But very enjoyable. Though the sections about the men captured by Japan are harrowing.
January 1, 2013
The Doolittle Raid is a very detailed description of one of the most influential bombing raids in the history of the 20th century warfare. The author personally knew many of the people involved in the raid, which was very central to later developments in W.W.II's Pacific theater. The details are amazing, and give the reader a good understanding of the mission and its impact. The story of the Doolittle Raid has fascinated since I first saw the Spencer Tracy/Van Johnson film, Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944) in the early 1960s. This book is strictly a study of the raid from a military stand point -- so those looking for a more dramatic description where the context of the raid is given more time, I recommend instead Craig Nelson's The First Heroes (see my review).
March 28, 2014
Recognizing that April 18th was rapidly approaching, I pulled down my copy of Glines' "The Doolittle Raid" for a re-read. I wasn't disappointed with having relived the adventure those 80 U.S. Army
Air Force flyers experienced on April 18, 1942 and thereafter. The last formal Doolittle Raiders reunion (Final Toast) was held on November 9, 2013. The 72th reunion is being held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 14, 2014 for family and friends only. There are only 4 members of Doolittles Raiders still living.
Over a quarter million Chinese were slaughtered by the Janpanese in retailation for having assisted the Raiders on their flight to safety.
A true story of the heroism of the Raiders and the sacrafices of the Chinese people is well worth reading.
Air Force flyers experienced on April 18, 1942 and thereafter. The last formal Doolittle Raiders reunion (Final Toast) was held on November 9, 2013. The 72th reunion is being held in Colorado Springs, Colorado on April 14, 2014 for family and friends only. There are only 4 members of Doolittles Raiders still living.
Over a quarter million Chinese were slaughtered by the Janpanese in retailation for having assisted the Raiders on their flight to safety.
A true story of the heroism of the Raiders and the sacrafices of the Chinese people is well worth reading.
November 8, 2014
Carroll Glines book on the Doolittle Raid covers the high points from one of the most inspiring moments of heroism and technological achievements in the early part of World War II. Jimmy Doolittle’s engineering and daring to launch Air Force/Army planes from a Navy Aircraft carrier. The retaliatory bombing of Japan after Pearl Harbor would be a mission in which all planes were lost but most of the crews would survive and return to duty. This book tracks the preparation of the raid, the raid itself and the aftermath of each of the crews that participated. The book is detailed without being laborious and covers the salient points of the operation. Overall a quick read that details one of the most famous events during the war.
May 28, 2012
Excellent account of the audacious mission of Doolittle's Raiders in bombing Tokyo in 1942, flying B-25s from the deck of an aircraft carrier, a first. The book begins with their training and follows each group (6 men x 16 planes) through their mission and their trials afterwards. Most made it home, but not all. All aircraft were lost. It was a great morale booster at a terrible time for the US.
Four of the five remaining Raiders celebrated the 70th anniversary of the flight at the Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio this April. They are all over 90.
Four of the five remaining Raiders celebrated the 70th anniversary of the flight at the Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio this April. They are all over 90.
December 16, 2010
I've met Col. Dick Cole numerous times - - and he and his daughter both recommend any books (about the Doolittle Raids) by this author. They both say that Carroll Glines is the official biographer for the Doolittle Raiders. I read the book - and very much enjoyed reading it.
Who is Col. Dick Cole - - you ask? He was the co-pilot in Crew #1. Which means he sat right next to Jimmy Doolittle during this raid. If that's not an endorsement . . . I don't know what is.
Who is Col. Dick Cole - - you ask? He was the co-pilot in Crew #1. Which means he sat right next to Jimmy Doolittle during this raid. If that's not an endorsement . . . I don't know what is.
April 4, 2016
it's interesting how a book about aviation makes me want to be an aviator, even if all the planes in the doolittle raid were lost. This book deals with the planes and pilots of the doolittle raid. i'm now interested in the ships and navy side of the doolittle raid.
January 10, 2014
Great documentary of a story unknown to most Americans. This raid, while seemingly small was definitely monumental in the Allies winning the war. This book kept my interest and provided from what I can tell a very accurate account of American history
October 7, 2017
There is no question that the sixteen bombers commanded by Lt. Col. James Doolittle that launched from an aircraft carrier and dropped bombs on Japan had a dramatic impact far beyond the actual destruction. After their stunning victory at Pearl Harbor and their naval forces taking over a buffer zone of all land masses in the western Pacific, the Japanese leadership told their people that bombs would never be dropped on their homeland.
Yet, what is known as the Doolittle raid happened only four months after the the attack of Pearl Harbor. The Japanese response was strong, they recalled fighter squadrons back to the Japanese islands to defend them against air attack and they ruthlessly pushed forward into China and slaughtered entire villages that may have harbored the American air crews. All for naught as within three years entire Japanese cities were burned to the ground and in two instances vaporized.
The account the the planning of the raid, the execution and the experiences of the crews after departing Japanese airspace are all covered very well. Particular attention is paid to what happened to the members of the crew after the raid. Nearly all of them were forced to bail out, one plane ended up at a Soviet airfield. Most quickly made contact with Chinese people very willing to help them, most of which paid with their lives. Those Americans unfortunate enough to end up in Japanese hands suffered a great deal.
A very important point made in this book is one that constantly needs to be repeated. That is the viciousness of the Japanese forces in China. It is stated in this book that as many as 65,000 Chinese were brutally killed by the Japanese forces as they marauded across the country looking for the American fliers. Such behaviors should be remembered forever.
Yet, what is known as the Doolittle raid happened only four months after the the attack of Pearl Harbor. The Japanese response was strong, they recalled fighter squadrons back to the Japanese islands to defend them against air attack and they ruthlessly pushed forward into China and slaughtered entire villages that may have harbored the American air crews. All for naught as within three years entire Japanese cities were burned to the ground and in two instances vaporized.
The account the the planning of the raid, the execution and the experiences of the crews after departing Japanese airspace are all covered very well. Particular attention is paid to what happened to the members of the crew after the raid. Nearly all of them were forced to bail out, one plane ended up at a Soviet airfield. Most quickly made contact with Chinese people very willing to help them, most of which paid with their lives. Those Americans unfortunate enough to end up in Japanese hands suffered a great deal.
A very important point made in this book is one that constantly needs to be repeated. That is the viciousness of the Japanese forces in China. It is stated in this book that as many as 65,000 Chinese were brutally killed by the Japanese forces as they marauded across the country looking for the American fliers. Such behaviors should be remembered forever.
August 15, 2021
The Doolittle Raid describes this famous mission in detail. How did they plan the mission? What was it like to fly this B-25 bomber from a carrier and more. We also get to read what happened to each B-25 during the mission and what became of the crew afterwards.
It is the human side, the adventures of the pilots and their crews, that makes for a fascinating read. Sometimes funny, but also emotional and tragic. What stuck with me was that each member, before bailing out, tried to stash as much as possible in their jackets and pockets, and lost most of it once their parachutes deployed.
It is the parts that describe what happened to some of the crew members that became POWs of the Japanese that make one wonder how men can be so cruel. The book also describes what happened after the war to the Japanese soldiers and officers that were put to trial for their deeds.
Highly recommended read!
It is the human side, the adventures of the pilots and their crews, that makes for a fascinating read. Sometimes funny, but also emotional and tragic. What stuck with me was that each member, before bailing out, tried to stash as much as possible in their jackets and pockets, and lost most of it once their parachutes deployed.
It is the parts that describe what happened to some of the crew members that became POWs of the Japanese that make one wonder how men can be so cruel. The book also describes what happened after the war to the Japanese soldiers and officers that were put to trial for their deeds.
Highly recommended read!
March 4, 2020
A good, but somewhat documentary read. I learned many new things about the daring mission and the heroic raiders. The crap aircraft maintenance by the McClellan AFB workers was particularly galling. I enjoyed the individual narratives of each crew’s accounting of the mission and the selfless attitude of the raiders... accomplish the mission! The brutality of the Japanese to the captured raiders was typical behavior, something that always comes to mind when I hear the apologists condemning our use of the atomic bomb to end the war. Doolittle and his raiders are the epitome of the Greatest Generation... something a number of successive generational entitlement misfits wIll never understand. Rest In Peace Doolittle Raiders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
A thrilling chapter of WWII history that deserves to be told and remembered. Just shy of a suicide mission, Jimmy Doolittle takes 16 B-25 bombers off the aircraft carrier Hornet to make the first assault on mainland Japan. Not having fuel capacity to return to the carrier, the B-25’s were to land in China and make their way back to safety. As is the case with some missions, things don’t go as planned, and the missions now become survival for the surviving crew members.
March 8, 2018
Very well written, captures the history and the details in a great storytelling format that made it easy to read and relatively easy to follow. Dealt well with some tough truths. An amazing endeavor.
January 3, 2019
Told from the perspective of the men who were there. Dated, but good.
June 2, 2022
I am glad I found this book at a used book sale. I learn a lot about the Doolittle raid.
February 1, 2023
An excellent account of the strike against Japan.
April 7, 2025
Very interesting topic and well-written. My only qualm is the poor formatting and lack of punctuation. Still worth the read.
September 6, 2025
Great Book! Japanese were ruthless! Liars too!
April 19, 2022
A classic, and rightfully so, of WWII and the audacious and stunning attack on the Japanese mainland that was for all intents and purposes a suicide mission. Just the fact that it succeeded at all is miraculous, and the story behind it has all the markings of a nation desperate to strike a blow at an enemy who threw the surprising and equally bold and audacious 'first punch.'
It is an enjoyable read, flowing well and logically.
The Doolittle Raid must rank high in the annals of brilliant battles that changed history. While nominally successful (low casualties despite the loss of all equipment), it succeeded in forcing the Japanese to alter their strategy which led to their first military losses in decades. These losses then led to even greater defeats which would culminate in total Allied victory in the Pacific, the occupation of Japan, and its subsequent emergence as a nation known for peace and excellence.
It is an enjoyable read, flowing well and logically.
The Doolittle Raid must rank high in the annals of brilliant battles that changed history. While nominally successful (low casualties despite the loss of all equipment), it succeeded in forcing the Japanese to alter their strategy which led to their first military losses in decades. These losses then led to even greater defeats which would culminate in total Allied victory in the Pacific, the occupation of Japan, and its subsequent emergence as a nation known for peace and excellence.
April 24, 2013
This book gives a crew-by-crew account of the Doolittle Raid. Glines gives an amazing amount of detail, but manages to keep the narrative moving. This is my first (definitely not my last) book on the Doolittle Raid and it provided a great base of knowledge about the event and the men that flew in it.
Four stars: Well written, captivating, but too short to really leave the reader satisfied.
Four stars: Well written, captivating, but too short to really leave the reader satisfied.
July 29, 2008
Crew by crew account of the Tokyo raid at the beginning of WWII. These were elite officers who volunteered to do something that had never been done.
August 2, 2013
Well documented, well written. Details include planning stages, the raid, and what happened following the raid. I highly recommend.
April 6, 2015
The Doolittle Raid by Carrol Gaines is probably the best and most complete telling of the Doolittle Raid written. It is defiantly a must read for all who have a need for a concise history of WWII.
November 28, 2007
Review to come later.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews