Object Details
- Physical Description
- Wooden box with hinged lid covered in maroon leather; silver colored latch; interior and medal mount is lined with off-white satin
- Summary
- The Medal of Honor was instituted in 1861 and is awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action involving actual with opposing armed forces. It is the highest military honor awarded in the United States. This medal was presented to James H. Doolittle for leading the flight of B-25 bombers on the first aerial attack on Japan during World War II.
- Citation: For conspicuous leadership above the call of duty, involving personal valor and intrepidity at the extreme hazard to life. With the apparent certainty of being forced to land in enemy territory or to perish at sea, General Doolittle personally led a squadron of Army bombers, manned by volunteer crews, in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland.
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Credit Line
- Donated by Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle (USAF, Ret.)
- Materials
- Wood
- Textile
- Metal
- Dimensions
- 3-D: 12.7 × 6.3 × 2.5cm (5 × 2 1/2 × 1 in.)
- Type
- AWARDS-Medals & Ribbons
