In 1984, General James H. Doolittle generously agreed to place his name on the Military Aviation Library at The University of Texas at Dallas History of Aviation Collection. He showed sincere interest in the Collection until his death at age 96 in 1993. In accordance with his will, the Library recently received the private papers of General Doolittle. The new additions include all the General's personal correspondence, film and photographs and copies of his published scientific research papers, as well as his famous desk and chair, quadrupling the size of the collection. The Doolittle Library represents the only major collection of the General's memorabilia and personal files outside federal facilities such as The Library of Congress.

Guide to the James H. Doolittle Papers

The University of Texas at Dallas History of Aviation Collection is composed of over 200 separate collections. Established in 1963 on the Austin campus, the Collection outgrew allotted space, and in 1978 was moved to larger quarters in the newly-constructed McDermott Library at The University of Texas at Dallas.

The Collection continues to enjoy steady growth. In addition to the Doolittle Library,The CAT-Air America Archives, established in 1985, are the official depository of the surviving CAT and Air America airmen's historical records.

General Doolittle, without doubt, will go down in history as the most revered air hero of the 20th Century. The number, diversity, and profound significance of his achievements are legendary. Although all airmen recognized the man as a great pilot, Doolittle accomplished far more than spectacular flying. He made the first totally blind flight, developed higher octane gasoline that figured in British superior aircraft performance in the Battle of Britain, led the first aerial attack on Japan only four months after Pearl Harbor for which he received the Medal of Honor, and became one of the most effective military leaders in World War II. Only his innate modesty matched his valor, his genius as a leader, and his tremendous contributions to the aeronautical sciences. His high standards of truth at any price and strict code of ethics inspired thousands of people in every walk of life.

One of the best descriptions of Doolittle's character and personality appears in the tribute prepared by his Tokyo Raiders for his last rites at Arlington National Cemetery, which reads:

"He was an uncommon man whose foresight, integrity, courage, and intellect are unmatched in the annals of aviation. He was a man of wisdom and wit, compassion and concern. His extraordinary feats in an airplane were matched by his ability to command men from the smallest units, such as the 79 of us who participated with him in our raid on Japan, to the 8th Air Force, the largest aerial fighting force in history. He was a patriot in the fullest sense of the word."

Doolittle's autobiography published in 1991, I Could Never be so Lucky Again, recalls all of his unprecedented accomplishments as if they were anything but extraordinary, merely a subject for factual reporting.

His book is dedicated to his wife of over 70 years, known simply as "Joe" and in the closing lines he admits that: "The best thing I ever did was to convince Joe that she should marry me; the luckiest thing that ever happened to me was when she finally did. That's why, whenever I'm asked, I say that I would never want to relive my life. I could never be so lucky again."

The University of Texas at Dallas History of Aviation Collection endowed the Doolittle Library so that the man, together with his unsurpassed aeronautical accomplishments, can continue to inspire future generations and ensure that the most celebrated air hero of this century will not be forgotten.

Two years ago the General was called upon to help finance the American Air Museum in Britain. A recent progress report on this splendid project stated:

"The American Air Museum campaign has received support from over 42,000 'Founding Members' who responded to an appeal by the late General Jimmy Doolittle to support this great project."

General Doolittle, along with Neil Armstrong, was instrumental in the establishment of the Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Fund, "As a lasting tribute to America's foremost hero of the 20th Century."

We ask this question: What can we do to ensure that Doolittle's name and achievements are preserved for future generations of Americans?

The gate is open for Doolittle Library Founding Members to respond now with tax exempt donations. We also seek gifts "in kind" such as your own historical military aviation materials. There is room, too, for the growing list of donors who include the Doolittle Library in their estate planning via will and testaments.

We need and seek your participation!

Respectfully submitted,
George H. Williams, Jr.
President, Advisory Board
History of Aviation Collection
The University of Texas at Dallas

"Jim was one of my best friends. You have my support. Establishing a Doolittle Aviation Library at U.T. Dallas provides a home for the memorial that will last forever for the American people. Your idea to securely endow and finance this effort is necessary. Jimmy deserves the best."

By Frederick C. Crawford
Honorary Chairman of the Board
TRW, Inc., retired
Honorary Co-Chairman, Doolittle Library

"Nothing comes to my mind, nor will it ever, that would replace what the University is doing for Jimmy. I think the connection of the Air Force with Texas, and the connection of Jimmy with the Air Force, makes a logical choice. I'll go along with you all the way. We lost the finest man I've ever known in my life."

By Barry Goldwater
U.S. Senator (AZ), Ret.
Major General, USAFR, WWII
Honorary Co-Chairman, Doolittle Library

"Your program to permanently endow the Doolittle Library within The University of Texas at Dallas History of Aviation Collection certainly is the best way to honor General Jim. He believed wholeheartedly in passing on the lessons of the past to those who follow. Since he dedicated the Library about 10 years ago, with the Collection already established, nothing else is needed to get it off the ground."

By C.V. Glines
Colonel, USAF, Ret.
Author, Historian, and Official Biographer of General James Doolittle

"Those of us who have spent a great part of our lives in aerospace know we depend on the contributions of those who have preceded us. Pioneers like Jimmy Doolittle have earned the right to be remembered through the priceless reminders of their efforts, which you have in the History of Aviation Collection."

By Michael Collins
Astronaut, Ret.
Pilot, Apollo 11 Command Module

TAX EXEMPT DONATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
THE DOOLITTLE ENDOWMENT FUND
The University of Texas at Dallas
P.O. Box 830643
Richardson, TX 75084-0643
Phone: 214-883-2570

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Last updated July 12, 2011

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