197: The Doolittle Raid & the Bataan Death March (Spring 1942)

Jan 19, 2026

Discover the shocking early days of America’s war in the Pacific, focusing on the harrowing Bataan Death March, where thousands faced unimaginable brutality. Hear about the audacious Doolittle Raid, including the daring bombing of Tokyo that aimed to boost morale. Delve into General MacArthur's retreat and his promise to return. Experience gripping tales of heroism, including a legendary cavalry charge and the Medal of Honor awarded to Bill Bianchi. This intense narrative captures both the despair and determination of wartime.

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INSIGHT

Doolittle Raid Delivered A Psychological Blow

The Doolittle Raid struck Tokyo and other Japanese cities to deliver a critical psychological victory for the U.S. in April 1942.
The raid used 16 Army B-25s launched from USS Hornet and relied on volunteers who couldn't return to the carrier.

ANECDOTE

Hair-Raising Carrier Launch Off The Hornet

Doolittle and 15 other B-25 crews launched from USS Hornet under rushed conditions after being spotted by a Japanese picket boat.
Jimmy Doolittle and the other crews successfully lifted off in foul weather and heavy seas, much to the crew's astonishment.

INSIGHT

Raid Had Outsized Psychological And Human Costs

The raid inflicted limited physical damage but severely damaged Japanese morale and boosted American spirits after recent defeats.
Chinese civilians aided many raiders but then endured brutal Japanese reprisals costing tens of thousands of Chinese lives.

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“We had been promised relief but none was coming, and all of us in Bataan shared a sense of betrayal.”

This is the story of the United State’s earliest—and most disastrous—days of war in the Pacific.

Almost immediately following Pearl Harbor, America and the Axis powers exchange rapid-fire war declarations. While embattled Britain breathes a sign of relief to have the US officially in the war, the Japanese Empire’s sun is rising on the Pacific fast—and at great cost to the Philippines. As the Commonwealth’s islands fall one by one, General Douglas MacArthur is forced to beat a hasty retreat. He evacuates to Australia and pledges to return; but what of the American and Filipino forces cornered on a small peninsula on Luzon? Well, they’re not called the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” for nothing. But there’s only so much they can do without outside support. Many thousands of POWs will be murdered or massacred in the post-surrender Bataan Death March of April 1942.

Amid these defeats and the ensuing crisis of morale, Washington concludes a successful counterattack on the Japanese home islands just might be the psychological win that America needs. Lieutenant Colonel James “Jimmy” Doolittle will lead an air attack… on Tokyo itself.

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