DESTINATION TOKYO
by Anthony Saunders

COMMEMORATING THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DOOLITTLE RAID – 18 APRIL 1942

The daylight raid on Tokyo, led by Lt Col James H. Doolittle on Sunday 18 April 1942, has rightfully entered the history books as one of the most daring and courageous operations of the Second World War. On that day, in mid ocean, Doolittle had launched his B-25 Mitchell bomber from the heaving, spray-soaked flight deck of an aircraft carrier, a deck too short to land on, and flown on to bomb Tokyo. He knew there would be no return to the USS Hornet, either for him or the 15 heavily- laden B-25s behind him, for this was a feat never before attempted, and for every crew member the mission was a one-way ticket. Yet, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, they all dared to survive.

Specially commissioned to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid in support of the James H. Doolittle Education Fund, Anthony’s inspirational painting portrays the dramatic moment that Lt Col Jimmy Doolittle lifts his B-25 off the pitching deck of the USS Hornet. Having timed his launch to perfection he climbs steeply away, ready to adjust his compass bearing for a direct line to Tokyo. On the sodden deck behind him the crews of the remaining 15 aircraft, whose engines are warmed, ready and turning, will quickly follow their commanding officer into the murky sky.

Overall Print Size: 31 ½” wide x 24” high
Image Size: 25” wide x 16 ¼” high

THE SIGNATURES
Each print is individually numbered and signed by artist Anthony Saunders. To commemorate this historic Anniversary every print has been personally signed one of the most highly regarded veterans to fly on the Doolittle Raid:

Lieutenant Colonel EDWARD J. SAYLOR
DFC AFCM with 2 Oak Clusters
Flight engineer and gunner on Plane Number 15.