The Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942, was the first air raid by the United States to strike the Japanese and was the only time that United States Army Air Forces bombers were launched from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on a combat mission. The raid was planned and led by Lieutenant Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle.  All 16 aircraft were lost on the mission, and 11 crewmen were either killed or captured. The crews of 14 aircraft were recovered and returned to the United States.  Bid on this historical signed poster of the Doolittle Raiders. Signed by Richard Cole, Jimmy Doolittle's co-pilot.