Post by Gen. David Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force:
There’s another hole in our formation. Our last remaining Doolittle Raider has slipped the surly bonds of Earth, and has reunited with his fellow Raiders. And what a reunion they must be having.
77 years ago this Saturday, 80 intrepid Airmen changed the course of history as they executed a one-way mission without hesitation against enormous odds. We are so proud to carry the torch he and his fellow Raiders handed us.
We will miss Lt Col Cole, and offer our eternal thanks and condolences to his family.
The Legacy of the Doolittle Raiders - his legacy - will live forever in the hearts and minds of Airmen, long after we’ve all departed.
May we never forget the long blue line, because it’s who we are.