The Senate has passed legislation backed by U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 80 American airmen known as the "Doolittle Tokyo Raiders" for their bravery during the first air raid on Japan during World War II. The bill now goes to the President for his signature.
Four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raiders, led by Army Air Force Lt. Col. James Doolittle, took off in 16 B-25 bombers from the U.S.S. Hornet to attack military targets in Tokyo and other cities. The air raid was the first strike on Japan after Pearl Harbor and demonstrated that Japan was vulnerable to American air attack - an important boost to American morale.
"I'm proud to honor this group of American heroes for their outstanding courage and heroism in leading our nation out of some of its darkest days," said Senator Ayotte. "This legislation rightly gives these men the recognition they deserve."
Senator Ayotte cosponsored the Senate version of the bill and worked with Brian Anderson of Salem, who advocated for the surviving Raiders, to advance the legislation.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the United States and is awarded to individuals, organizations, or events that have made a tremendous contribution to the history and culture of our country.