Aircraft History
One of 16 B-25's came from the 17 BG which was made up of the 34th, 37th, 95th, and 89th BS. Nicknamed "Ruptured Duck" with nose art of Disney Donald Duck character with crossed crutches.

Mission History
Took off from the USS Hornet as part of the "Dolittle Raid", taking off as aircraft number 7. Bombed the industrial section of Tokyo with 3 demolition bombs and one incendiary bomb.

Ditched in the China Sea, just off the coast of China, west of Shangchow, the crew members were badly injured, three injured, one slightly injured took to the life raft. Sgt. Thatcher was only slightly injured and swam back to the wreck to get the medical kit from inside.

Chinese fishermen were persuaded by Thatcher to carry his injured crew mates to temporary safety. Then for three days Chinese fishermen were forced or persuaded by him to carry the injured crew members over difficult mountainous terrain for medical treatment. All of this plane's crew were saved from either capture as a result of Sgt. Thatcher's leadership.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

Dolittle Raid After Action Report