Doolittle Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen honored at Oshkosh

Veterans from two legendary World War II military units are among the honored guests this year during the “Salute to the Greatest Generation in the Air” at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on July 23-29 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

EAA AirVenture also includes homebuilts, vintage aircraft, and ultralights as part of the celebration of aviation that attracts 500,000 visitors form 65 nations.

Among the highlights and special guests of the “Salute to the Greatest Generation in the Air”:

• Doolittle Raiders Dick Cole and David Thatcher, two of the remaining five surviving Raiders who in 1942 flew a surprise bombing attack on Japan
• Up to 10 members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American fighter pilot group that overcame discrimination to post a superior flying record in Europe
• A special screening of the movie “Red Tails,” introduced by George Lucas, the film’s director
• Public forums and autograph sessions featuring the Doolittle Raiders and Tuskegee Airmen
• An Old Glory Honor Flight with nearly 100 World War II veterans that departs from the AirVenture grounds and returns to a huge welcome home on Friday, July 27
• Special warbird air show extravaganzas, featuring more than 100 vintage World War II aircraft and the special “Tora! Tora! Tora!” tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors

“We are honored to pay tribute at Oshkosh to those who sacrificed and wrote one of the most important chapters in American and aviation history,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA vice president of AirVenture features and attractions.

EAA AirVenture also features nearly 1,000 forums and workshops, 700 exhibitors, and aircraft displays from the smallest ultralights to airliners and military transports.

For more information: AirVenture.org

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