General James Doolittle Signed and Inscribed Photograph, to Don D'Amato

Presented is a signed and inscribed head and shoulders portrait of General James Doolittle. General Doolittle is photographed in his three-star uniform. The photograph is signed and inscribed in the lower right corner in black ink, "To Don D'Amato, with every good wish—J. H. Doolittle." The reverse bears an official "Space Technology Laboratories" photograph stamp. 

Most famously known for leading the Tokyo Air Raid during WWII, General James “Jimmy” Doolittle contributed not just service, but ingenuity to the nascent air service. A military strategist, Doolittle also became the first pilot to fly from the American east coast to the west coast in under 24 hours, developed low visibility flight tools, modified bomber escort tactics, and led the famous Eighth Air Force. 

General Doolittle served in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, but his attack on Tokyo and other major cities dominates his legacy. On April 18, 1942, sixteen B-25 bombers under the command of Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle were launched from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Hornet. They flew 650 miles to Japan and dropped their bombs on Tokyo and other Japanese cities and then escaped to China and neutral Soviet territory. Although the attack itself caused little structural damage, the Doolittle raid was a severe psychological blow to Japanese military leaders and had far-reaching strategic effects. The raid prompted the Japanese to retain four army fighter groups in Japan during 1942 and 1943, when they were badly needed in the South Pacific. The attack also compelled the Japanese to push beyond their originally planned defensive perimeter, thereby increasing the vulnerability of their supply lines. The Doolittle Raid provided an electrifying boost to American morale.

Doolittle was promoted to lieutenant general and commanded the Twelfth Air Force over North Africa, the Fifteenth Air Force over the Mediterranean, and the Eighth Air Force over Europe. He retired from the Air Force in 1959, yet remained active in many technical fields. Doolittle became the chairman of the board for Space Technology Laboratories., an independent firm specializing in ballistic missile and space programs, including the Atlas, Thor, and Minuteman missiles. Doolittle was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1967. He was eventually promoted to general in 1985. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 96.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Matte-finish photograph of General James Doolittle in his Air Force uniform, signed and inscribed in black ink, "To Don D'Amato, with every good wish—J. H. Doolittle.” The reverse bears an official "Space Technology Laboratories" photograph stamp. The photograph has a few light, fairly unobtrusive, vertical creases. Unframed dimensions: 10” H x 8” W. 

Archivally framed in custom-built wooden frame. Framed Dimensions: 15 5/8"H x 13 5/8"W x 1"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.