Doolittle, James Harold (1896-1993)

US aviation pioneer who took part in the development of new aircraft designs and more efficient aircraft fuel. During World War II he saw active service and in 1942 led a daring bombing raid over Tokyo. He later participated in the invasion of North Africa and the intensive bombing of Germany.

Born in Alameda, California, USA, Doolittle attended the University of California and served as an army flying instructor during World War I. Later, in the Army Air Corps, he became an aviation specialist, earning an engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).