James "Jimmy" H. Doolittle
The first Air Force general to wear four stars, Jimmy Doolittle was an aviation pioneer and famed World War II air commander. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for personal valor and leadership as commander of the Doolittle Raid, a bold long-range retaliatory air raid on the Japanese mainland, on April 18, 1942. Promoted to lieutenant general, he commanded the 12th Air Force over North Africa, the 15th Air Force over the Mediterranean and the 8th Air Force over Europe. Between the world wars, Doolittle was instrumental in the development of American aviation, setting numerous speed records and, in 1922, making the first cross-country flight within a single day (for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross). He continued these pioneering efforts after the war, advising the development of ballistic missiles and space programs as a special advisor to the Air Force chief of staff. Doolittle also helped organize and served as the first president of the Air Force Association.
Medal of Honor citation:
"For conspicuous leadership above the call of duty, involving personal valor and intrepidity at an extreme hazard to life. With the apparent certainty of being forced to land in enemy territory or to perish at sea, Gen. Doolittle personally led a squadron of Army bombers, manned by volunteer crews, in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland."
Other awards and decorations:
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Medal of Honor
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star
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Air Medal
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Presidential Medal of Freedom
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More information about Gen. Doolittle's Medal of Honor can be found at The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's website.