World War II started a new era of war where the battles were not only battled on the ground and in the water, but also in the air. Many crucial battles the allies needed to win in order to end World War II were now fought in planes. Lieutenant General Jimmy Doolittle played a crucial role in the Allies victory because of his victory in the Doolittle raid, his leadership within the Eighth Air Force, and his success across the levels of war, in particular tactical. Because of his outstanding leadership and valor he was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom and remains to be the only individual awarded both. He has now become a hero in US military history known for his bravery, confidence, and humbleness. Jimmy Doolittle had originally had fought in World War I as a Reserve officer in the United States Army Air Corps. Early on in his life, Doolittle struggled with bullies and eventually became known as “daring brawler”. He focused greatly on gymnastics and boxing, and thus developed an acute sense of balance and coordination. Later on in his career these skills payed off making him a superior fighter pilot. His exceptional balance gained as a gymnast and his …show more content…
On 2 January 1942, Doolittle reported to Washington for duties as the director of operational requirements on General Arnold’s staff. He was then given the assignment which would make him a national hero; the Tokyo Raid. He received the Medal of Honor from President Eisenhower because of his leadership during the surprise strike by carrier based medium bombers on Tokyo in April 1942. Because of talents as a technical expertise in aviation, developed as a trained engineer, test pilot, and transcontinental flyer, he was especially qualified to lead this raid and was therefore so successful. His triumph in the raid greatly contributed to Air Power in that the world could now see how effective using aircraft could