Lt Col Richard Cole (Doolittle Raiders) Died today at 103

When I first started doing what I do for a living now, I met WWII vets all the time. Pearl, Iwo, Utah, Normandy, B-24 gunners and navigators, and leather necks. Most wouldn't say much about it if they really got into stuff over there, but the air crew always had stories. I haven't run into a vet from that era in some time now and I know they are nearly all gone. We are losing a huge piece of who we are and I feel all the worse for it. They will all be sorely missed. God speed dear Sir.

BK

Greatmaker

I had the pleasure of meeting these men at the EAA in Oshkosh. I didn’t know they were scheduled to be there on the day I was there so I caught just the tail end of their presentation.  Afterward they had an autograph session and I know they stayed well past their appointed time because I was the last person that was allowed in. Funny thing was I was wearing a CAF t-shirt that featured the Japanese zero. It was on the back of the shirt so I made sure that I never turned my back on them. I backed out of the room One thing that they said that will always stick with me was that none of them considered themselves hero’s. To them the hero’s were the ones that never made it back

 

 

Your a lucky man Robert. They were all heroes whether they thought so or not. 

The Zero shirt is pretty funny. They might have got a kick out of it who knows. 

I had the pleasure of meeting these men at the EAA in Oshkosh. I didn’t know they were scheduled to be there on the day I was there so I caught just the tail end of their presentation.  Afterward they had an autograph session and I know they stayed well past their appointed time because I was the last person that was allowed in. Funny thing was I was wearing a CAF t-shirt that featured the Japanese zero. It was on the back of the shirt so I made sure that I never turned my back on them. I backed out of the room One thing that they said that will always stick with me was that none of them considered themselves hero’s. To them the hero’s were the ones that never made it back

Terrible news.  When these amazing men (and women) pass....an important part of American History is....gone. 
I used to love listening to my Grampa talk about his experiences as a SeeBee....driving LST's and LCM's island hopping in the Pacific fighting against Japan.
The things these people have seen...experienced...survived.  The loss of those voices hurts us all.

Respect.  Nothing but respect.  R.I.P. and Godspeed, Colonel.

God Speed, Col.

Carl

Guys, I second that emotion. I’ve been looking to build one of the Doolittle Raiders for a few years now but never knew which one I’d pick. I generally like to pick out the unsung heroes but after getting to meet Lt Col D!ck Cole at the NOLA Airshow and hear his story I knew that’d be the one I’d make when I get around to it.

Thank you for your service Lieutenant. I will be building your B-25 shortly as a homage to you. Rest in Peace brave Sir.

A brave man, among other brave men. They put it all on the line, no question of their dedication and loyalty to America. After I hit send, I'll stand and salute.

Farewell, Lt Col Cole.

Sad news!  I am building the C-47 Lt. Col. Cole flew with the 1st Air Commando Group in India.  The Yankee Air Museum honored him with a version of his aircraft "Hairless Joe" last year.

The last of a group of heros.

Gary