UBB.threads Forums General Interest Period History Forum April 18, 1943 Death of Yamamoto

April 18 was not a good day for the Japanese in WWII.

The previous year (1942) on that date, James Doolittle, then a Lieutenant Colonel, led 16 B-25 bombers on a daring raid on Japan.

They were launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. 10 planes, including that of Doolittle bombed Tokyo. The remaining 6 bombed Yokosuka, Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagoya. Little real damage was done but it was a great blow to Japanese prestige. It forced Japan use more assets to guard the Home Islands. It also prodded Admiral Yamamoto to move up his plans for the invasion of Midway Island.

Doolittle was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Brigadier General. Yamamoto was ..... see above.