Warbird Information Exchange

LtC Dick Cole (last living Doolittle Tokyo Raider) passed away this morning @ the age of 103. Arrangements are currently being made for a Memorial @ Randolph AFB. Internment will be later @ Arlington Cemetery. More details to follow.

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Mike

Thanks Mike..

I took these photos just two days ago at the USAF Museum. I figured it would probably be the last time I saw any of the goblets upright. Blue skies to a True American Hero. (sorry for the huge images.)

SN

From Tom Casey (Raider's Business Manager)

Dear Raider Family & Friends:

It is with the deepest sadness that we advise you that Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole passed away early this morning in San Antonio with his daughter Cindy and son Rich at his side.

Arrangements are being made for a memorial service at Randolph Air Force Base in the near future and his final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery. When the arrangements are set we will let you know.

We appreciate how deeply he was loved by all of us, and how much he will be missed. Our memories of being with him will never fade from our hearts and minds.

We will keep you posted on the arrangements as they come from Cindy and Rich. At this time, please allow the family the time to grieve.

Sincerely,

Tom & Catherine Casey
Doolittle Tokyo Raiders

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Mike

Sad day - but grateful he was with us for this long!`

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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.

I made a week long trip out of the reunion at Wright Patt in 2012 and I stayed at the same hotel as the Raiders. Mr. Cole passed one step in front of me walking through the lobby as I was coming in the door on my second day there. I didn't want to bother him, but I'll always regret not saying hi and thanking him.

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These brave men had great big giant brass ones.
Plain and simple.
God speed to LtC Cole and condolences to his family.
A life well and truly lived.

Much respect.

Andy Scott

I had the honor of some brief chats with him during my tenure at the AF Museum during two of their reunions. One in the Modern Fight gallery where they where going to give autographs and the second at the luncheon in their honor at another reunion.

My prize possession is the hat that I designed and embroidered in their honor for the 75th Anniversary and have one autographed for me by Lt. Cole which I have in an acrylic box.

I have a photo of him wearing one of the hats and holding a tote bag which I also embroidered.

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Jerry
S/Sgt. - USAF Radio Operator '52-'56
C-119 "Flying Boxcar" - Korea & Japan

Volunteer: National Museum of the US Air Force (2007-2016)
LTM 381st Bomb Group Memorial Association

We salute you sir!!

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!