Richard E. Cole, Co-Pilot for Doolittle in B25 #1

Born September 7, 1915, Dayton, Ohio. Graduated from Steele high School, Dayton, Ohio and completed two years college at Ohio University. Enlisted November 22, 1940. Completed pilot training and commissioned as Second Lieutenant, July, 1941.

After their bombing run over Tokyo, thier aircraft ran out of fuel over China. He bailed out at over 160 mph and located a Chinese guerilla group that transfered them through Japenese lines and back to safety.

Remained in China-Burma-India after Tokyo Raid until June 1943, and served again in the China-Burma-India Theater from October, 1943 until June, 1944. Relieved from active duty in January, 1947 but returned to active duty in August 1947. Was Operations Advisor to Venezuelan Air Force from 1959 to 1962. Peacetime service in Ohio, North Carolina, and California. Rated as command pilot. Decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Chinese Army, Navy, Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.

UPDATE: Colonel Cole died on April 9, 2019
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_E._Cole