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FilmPacific1942

USS Hornet launch point, North Pacific

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo — Pacific Ocean

Scene

April 18 1942 — 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers launch from USS Hornet 650 miles east of Japan, 250 miles further than planned after Japanese patrol boats are spotted.

History

The early launch meant the bombers would run out of fuel before reaching safe airfields in China. Doolittle told his crews on launch day that there was a chance they wouldn't make it. The carrier USS Hornet had to turn back immediately; all 16 aircraft reached Japan but none could land safely. All 80 crewmen launched — 69 survived the mission.

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