Richard Cole

Richard Cole. He was a pioneering United States Army Air Forces officer renowned as the last surviving participant of the audacious Doolittle Raid on Japan during World War II. Serving as the co-pilot to mission commander Jimmy Doolittle on the lead B-25 Mitchell bomber, his actions during this pivotal operation and subsequent service in the China Burma India Theater cemented his place in military aviation history. Following a distinguished career, he became a celebrated figure at veterans' events and a dedicated advocate for preserving the legacy of his comrades.

Early life and education

Richard Cole was born in Dayton, Ohio, a city with deep roots in aviation history due to the work of the Wright brothers. He developed an early interest in flight and later attended Ohio University, though he left before graduating to pursue a military career. In 1940, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, the precursor to the modern United States Air Force, and commenced his flight training. He earned his pilot's wings and a commission as a second lieutenant, demonstrating the skill and determination that would soon be tested on a global stage.

Military career

Cole's military service is most famously defined by his role in the Doolittle Raid in April 1942. After intensive training at Eglin Field in Florida, he and fifteen other B-25 Mitchell crews launched from the USS Hornet on a one-way bombing mission against Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Following the successful attack, his crew bailed out over China and, with assistance from local Chinese civilians and guerrillas, evaded capture by Imperial Japanese Army forces. He later served with distinction in the China Burma India Theater, flying vital transport missions over the treacherous Hump route across the Himalayas to supply Chinese Nationalist forces. His assignments included postings with the 1st Air Commando Group and the 5th Air Force, contributing to Allied efforts in the Pacific War.

Post-military life and legacy

After retiring from the United States Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1966, Cole remained an active and revered figure within veterans' circles. He frequently attended reunions for the Doolittle Raiders and was a guest of honor at events hosted by organizations like the Air Force Association and the National Museum of the United States Air Force. He played a key role in commemorations, including the dedication of the Doolittle Raid Memorial in China and ceremonies aboard the USS Lexington museum. As the last surviving Raider following the death of David Thatcher in 2016, he became the sole custodian of the group's historic silver goblets, a powerful symbol of their bond and sacrifice.

Awards and decorations

For his extraordinary heroism and service, Richard Cole received several high-ranking military honors. His valor during the Doolittle Raid earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, which was presented by General Henry H. Arnold. He was also awarded the Air Medal for his subsequent combat flights in the China Burma India Theater. Like all members of the raid, he received the Presidential Unit Citation. His full set of decorations included the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, reflecting his dedicated service throughout the conflict.

Personal life

Richard Cole was married to his wife, Lucia, for over seven decades until her passing. The couple raised a family together, and Cole often credited his family's support for his post-service life. In his later years, he resided in Comfort, Texas, where he enjoyed a quiet life, though he continued to travel for speaking engagements and memorial events. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished time spent fishing and hunting. He maintained a humble demeanor about his historic role, consistently emphasizing the collective effort of the Doolittle Raiders and all members of the Greatest Generation. Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) Category:Doolittle Raiders