Jimmy Doolittle

James Harold Doolittle (December 14, 1896 – September 27, 1993) was an American aviation pioneer. Doolitle served with great distinction as a general in the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War, earning the Medal of Honor as the commander of the Doolittle Raid.

Postwar

On May 10, 1946 he reverted to inactive reserve status and returned to Shell Oil as a vice president and later a director.

Related Topics:
May 10 - 1946

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In March 1951 he was appointed a special assistant to the Air Force chief of staff, serving as a civilian in scientific matters which led to Air Force ballistic missile and space programs.

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He retired from Air Force duty Feb. 28, 1959 but continued to serve his country as chairman of the board of Space Technology Laboratories. He also was the first president of the Air Force Association, in 1947, assisting its organization.

Related Topics:
Space Technology Laboratories - Air Force Association

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On April 4, 1985, the U.S. Congress advanced him to full general on the Air Force retired list. In a later ceremony, President Ronald Reagan and Senator Barry Goldwater pinned on his four-star insignia, making him the first person in U.S. Air Force Reserve history to wear four stars.

Related Topics:
April 4 - 1985 - Ronald Reagan - Senator - Barry Goldwater - Four-star insignia - U.S. Air Force Reserve

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In addition to the Medal of Honor, during his career Doolittle also received two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, four Air Medals, and decorations from Great Britain, France, Belgium, Poland, China and Ecuador.

Related Topics:
Medal of Honor - Distinguished Service Medals - Silver Star - Distinguished Flying Crosses - Bronze Star - Air Medals - Great Britain - France - Belgium - Poland - China - Ecuador

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Doolittle died in California in 1993 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Related Topics:
California - Arlington National Cemetery - Virginia

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