Richard E. Cole

Colonel Richard "Dick" Cole,  USAF is a former American pilot. Cole served as an officer in the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War.

As of October 2012, he is one of the 5 surviving Doolittle Raiders.

Early Military Career
Cole enlisted as an Aviation Cadet on November 22, 1940 at Lubbock, Texas. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in July, 1941 and rated as pilot.

The Doolittle Raid


Cole was assigned as the co-pilot of the 1st aircraft, Plane # 40-2344. This was the first B25 to depart the deck of the Hornet, and it was piloted by the leader of the raid, Jimmy Doolittle.

Distinguished Flying Cross citations
1st Citation:

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard E. Cole (ASN: 0-421602), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Lieutenant Cole with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service."

2nd Citation: "First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Richard E. Cole (ASN: 0-421602), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II."

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