Sixty-six years ago today, far off in the lonely reaches of the northwest Pacific, and in a state of war, eighty intrepid airmen in sixteen B-25 bombers were launched from the pitching deck of the aircraft carrier Hornet on an audacious mission. Their task: Strike a vengeful and retaliatory blow deep into the enemy's well guarded heart. Obviously the men chosen to carry out this bold plan were required to be both courageous and competent, for they were being called upon to fly purposefully and deliberately into the ugly face of death and hell. Yet their superiors expected success. When it was over, their brave deed did much more than send a wave of shock throughout Japan and her rapidly expanding empire, it provided the American people, who were still reeling with fear and uncertainty over the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, with a much needed sense of hope. Today, fewer than a dozen of these dauntless aviators remain. We salute them on this special day for their unparalleled gallantry, and pray that they and their fallen brothers may never be forgotten.
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