Warbird Information Exchange

On the Doolittle Raider forum run by Todd Joyce (son of Raider pilot Dick Joyce) we've been having an interesting discussion with a fellow from China. Apparently some of the area where the Raiders were recovered may be turned into a mass development. We're trying to find out if anything is feasible, or if it can be moved or saved.
See: http://www.doolittleraider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=271 for more information.
If you have contacts in China, I'd be interested in knowing how to get information.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

Thanks Ryan for the heads up on this very interesting topic!

I think it is paramount to preserve such a place. Terminal 13 and the Cave. What a story of heroism by both the 80 Doolittle Raiders and the brave Chinese who risked all to protect them in Japanese occupied China. Zheng Weiyong (the original author) is right, they worked together to fight Tyranny. Chinese and Americans alike and they shouldn't be forgotten.

A Couple of points

1) Is there a chinese name for the Doolittle Raiders in the Chinese History books or language? Like the Flying Tigers--Fei Hu as they are known in China.

2) Make the location a museum. Where is it located in China? Is it isolated? Name the Museum after the Doolittle Raiders or what Chinese history books call it. But the museum is dedicated to Pilots and Peasant heros alike.

3) Would it be possible to create a joint fundraising effort. Call it the Doolitle Raiders Historical Society. Both Chinese and American individuals/Businesses could financially contribute to the creation of a museum at this site. Chinese support for the acquiring of the site and matching dollars from the US. Jeez, Walmart makes a mint from Chinese products maybe they could chip in a couple of million in private contributions for such a noble effort.

4) What static B-25 could be acquired and traded with China to the site. Maybe have it as a crash diorama showing Americans pilots being helped by Chinese peasants and officials. Maybe it could be traded for the P-61 in Beijing? B-25/P-40 Statics for P-61 static. B-25 goes to the new Doolittle Museum in China and P-40 to Beijing with sharks teeth. Paul Allen? USAF museum? US government? Beijing Aviation Museum? Chinese government? Are the common goals not the same. Rememberance.

5) If such a site were saved and it wasn't off the beaten path, Chinese Tourism could certainly promote to American travellers as a site to see like the great wall. Thus the local economic environment could make it with such an infrastructure improvement.

One thing is for certain, these 80 men and the Chinese people's assistance should not be forgotten. Though these people have passed or are at the twilight of their lives in both countries, we the next generation can come up with a fitting tribute to their heroism and sacrifice against daunting odds.

Glenn