| 2008 DAV Airshow, Barksdale AFB |
The DAV Airshow Outreach Program which brings B-25 airplanes to be viewed by the public was at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on May 10-11, 2008. On hand was the "Special Delivery" B-25J Mitchell Bomber for people to tour and volunteers from the local DAV Chapter 30 plus other DAV members acted as guides and to answer questions from the public.
The DAV Airshow Outreach Program was developed to increase public awareness of disabled veterans and to serve veterans in communities throughout the nation. Using two B-25 medium bombers, the program reminds the public of the sacrifices veterans have made and continue to make to keep our nation free. The bombers used are the "Panchito" B-25J Mitchell Bomber and the "Special Delivery" B-25J Mitchell Bomber.
The North American B-25 was among the famous twin engine medium bombers used during WWII. It was the most widely produced American twin engine combat aircraft. No doubt, part of its heroic stature derives from its namesake, the outspoken Gen. Billy Mitchell, who proved once and for all that bombers could destroy targets and that wars would nevermore be decided only on land or sea. The B-25 achieved worldwide fame on April 18, 1942. Sixteen B-25s, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, were launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet in a daring raid on five Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe.
The original "Panchito", named after the feisty rooster from Disney's animated musical "The Three Caballeros", was a bomber with the 396th Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific. After several attacks on various Japanese strongholds in Southern Japan as well as Japanese help Eastern China, she was scheduled for another bombing run to Japan on the day the Japanese surrendered. The "Special Delivery" North American B-25J honors the achievements of Lt.Col. James Doolittle and his daring raiders who helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.
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