Portman, Brown & Senate Colleagues Applaud Senate Passage of NDAA that Includes Legislation Posthumously Promoting Ohio-Native and Doolittle Raider, Lt Col Dick Cole to Col.

Statement

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) today applauded the Senate passage of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, that includes legislation calling for the posthumous promotion of Dayton, Ohio native Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole. This bipartisan legislation also recognizes the accomplishments, sacrifices, and legacy of Lt Col. Cole, the last of the living Doolittle Raiders until he passed away earlier this year at the age 103. The Doolittle Raiders consisted of 80 U.S. Military volunteers, commanded by Lt Col. James Doolittle, who led the first strike on mainland Japan in World War II, bolstering morale back home and changing the tide of the war in the Pacific. Lt Col. Cole served valiantly as Lt Col. James Doolittle's co-pilot and together they led the Squadron of 16 Army Air Force bombers from the U.S.S. Hornet to Tokyo. The conference report will now head to the president's desk for signature.

"Dick Cole was a son of Dayton, Ohio and an American hero," said Portman. "During a dark time in our history, he and the Doolittle Raiders launched an audacious attack that succeeded against all odds and provided a spark to the morale of the American people that carried us through to eventual victory in the Pacific. The Doolittle Raid had a strategic effect on World War II, and flying in the lead plane as the co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle, Dick Cole was a key factor to the mission's success. Dick went on to live a rich and full life and was a beloved hero to all airmen. I am proud to have led this effort to provide Dick with the recognition he so deeply deserves."

"The Doolittle Raiders came from a generation that spoke proudly of service to their country. They rarely drew attention or talked much about their own courage. They sought no recognition but oh, how they earned it. It was an honor to help award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Doolittle Raiders in Washington four years ago --a long time coming, and so deserved. And now that these men are no longer with us, it's all the more important that we continue to tell their story," Brown said.

"For Texans and so many other Americans, Dick symbolized one of the most remarkable groups from the greatest generation -- the Doolittle Raiders," said Cornyn. "Although America has lost another hero, our country will never forget him. Today we remember the final Doolittle Raider for his incredible courage and sacrifice, and a life well lived."

"The Doolittle Raiders volunteered for an uncertain and hazardous mission to strike back against the enemy after Pearl Harbor. They knew their mission could be a one-way trip, but they chose to go anyway. They were worthy of our honor then and today. I'm pleased they'll finally receive the recognition they deserve," said Cotton.

"The Doolittle Raid stands as a testament of American grit, determination, and bravery," Cruz said. "These American airmen served our country with excellence, and we owe them a debt we can never repay. Lt. Col. Richard Cole is one of these exemplary men. After his service, Dick eventually moved to Military City, USA and raised a family. Men and women like Dick embody true American greatness. I am proud to join my colleagues in honoring the life and legacy of Dick Cole."

"I commend Senators Rob Portman, Sherrod Brown and their Senate colleagues for passing this legislation honoring the memory and service of the late Lt Col. Richard Cole, the last living member of the famed Doolittle Raiders. As Gen. Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot, Lt Col. Cole was a true American hero who richly deserves this honor," said Jim Roberts, President of the American Veterans Center, the organization officially designated by the Doolittle Raiders to preserve their legacy.

"Richard Cole was an icon to a great many of us. While well aware of the importance of the Doolittle Raid in history, he never made it about himself. He was a humble hero, whose legacy deserves to be remembered," said Tim Holbert, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the American Veterans Center.

"For nearly twenty-five years, I was honored to serve as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders manager. Lt Col. Richard E. Cole, President of the Doolittle Raiders Association became not only my best friend, but a partner with me running all Raider affairs. I applaud Senators Portman and Brown for honoring him with the posthumous promotion to Colonel, a well-deserved recognition," said Thomas G. Casey, President, Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Association.