Thomas Doolittle
Thomas Doolittle was a man of many talents. From transcontinental flights and academic degrees, to airspeed records and airspeed records – his impressive resume boasted transcontinental journeys and airspeed records.
Doolittle was put through his paces during the 1944 raid on Tokyo, which put his leadership skills under significant strain. This chapter explores what steps Doolittle took in response to this challenge – his impact on tactical innovation and how he maintained morale within his command were examined in depth.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Doolittle was born in Nome, Alaska. After attending the University of California he went on to serve as a flight instructor before becoming one of aviation’s key figures, even prior to participating in his signature Raids.
Doolittle was a nonconformist tutor and preacher who became religious after hearing Richard Baxter’s discourses published as The Saint’s Everlasting Rest (1653).
Doolittle moved his congregation from Baltimore when the government passed an act requiring ministers who disagreed with it to move five miles from a corporation, effectively forcing Doolittle out of active service on 1 July 1940 and embarking on an inspection and study tour across Britain before later commanding Northwest African Strategic Air Force before becoming Commander-in-Chief of Eight Army Air Force in Europe from January 1944 onward. He continued as an influential preacher as well as founding an institute of aeronautical science. Later he requested reinstatement on 1 July 1940 before going on inspection and study tour before returning active service on 1 July 1940 and started an inspection/study tour of Britain where he became popular preacher before commanding both Northwest African Strategic Air Force then Eight Army Air Force from 1944 onward.
Professional Career
Doolittle earned a stellar reputation among America’s premier aviators due to his technical prowess, competitive spirit and moral fortitude. Transcontinental flights, airspeed records and academic degrees among his achievements make his impressive list of aviation achievements even more notable.
This study applies Clausewitz’s framework of critical analysis to evaluate Doolittle’s performance as commander of Eighth Air Force during World War II. First it evaluates his command environment before identifying and assessing its effects on bomber offensive.
Doolittle’s impatience with aircraft modification at first betrayed an aggressive nature and lack of understanding for how extensive change must take place within large organizations; but over time his leadership style became more mature, showing considerable political acumen when faced with achieving air superiority.
Achievement and Honors
Doolittle was best-known for creating an instrument system to assist blind flying pilots. This achievement earned him the Harmon Trophy and made all-weather airline operations possible.
He was also widely recognized for redefining the role of the Eighth Air Force by encouraging subordinate commanders to act as leaders – an impressive display of both his strong interactive leadership skills and keen political awareness.
Doolittle did not possess the professional military education and command experience of his peers at Army’s Command and General Staff School, leading them to be reluctant leaders of raids despite Doolittle being given authority for leading them. Unfortunately, this meant only 16 aircraft could participate due to Doolittle’s inexperience in leading such missions with such secrecy and riskiness.
Personal Life
Thomas Doolittle may be best known for his daring and successful raid on Tokyo, but there’s much more to his story than just that. He’s an accomplished engineer, highly decorated general officer, and inspirational leader – qualities all that contribute to making him such an intriguing individual.
Doolittle earned himself an early reputation as an innovative pilot due to his technical know-how and competitive spirit, having completed transcontinental flights, airspeed records, and academic degrees before World War II broke out.
Doolittle initially struggled to lead his newly created air force due to a lack of staff experience and professional military education. This chapter explores his adaptations and efforts at building morale within the Eighth Air Force while assessing measures taken by him to ensure its mission success.
Net Worth
Doolittle left nearly his entire fortune to philanthropy. He founded and funded multiple educational and cultural institutions; even a crater on the moon bears his name! Additionally, Doolittle distinguished himself during World War II as an outstanding military pilot who set numerous aviation records, earning himself the Medal of Honor award.
Lea Doolittle has made over 18 trades of Northwest Natural Co stock over the last two decades, according to public filings. On average, she has traded units worth about $252,437 apiece. On 10 August 2018 alone she exercised and sold off over 3,000 units for over $613,000. Currently she owns over 6,550 shares resulting in an estimated net worth of $866 Thousand.