I wrote this poem for sixth graders after stumbling across the story of the Doolittle Raiders while doing research for Gourmet Learning, a curriculum company I wrote for many years ago. With the permission of Gourmet, I can publish this poem here.
If you do not know about James Doolittle and his raiders, learn the story. Our world is the way it is today because of them.
"Eighty Men in Sixteen Planes"
Eighty men in sixteen planes on the Hornet's deck that day,
All were dressed in full flight gear prepared to fly away.
None had ever launched a plane to fly it over sea.
But this is what they had to do to strike the enemy.
James Doolittle led the man, he'd be with them when they flew.
He trusted them completely, for they were his handpicked crew.
Although the future was unsure, the pilots showed no fear.
And after fourteen days at sea, the target was drawing near.
The 18th was a dreary morn, low clouds hung from the sky.
Then through the early morning mist they heard a frantic cry.
"Alert! Alert! The've spotted us!" The enemy was at hand!
They were too far away to fly and safely get to land.
The squadron sprang into action, their planes they began to load.
In minutes all the gear and weapons they would need were stowed.
They took off from the Hornet's deck and flew across the sea.
Courageous and confident, they wanted victory.
By that day's end it was quite clear their triumph was secure.
Truth and freedom, liberty and goodness, these things would endure.
They flew our first attack that day, the nation to defend.
If freedom you appreciate, share the tale of Jimmy's men.
In honor and in memory of the Doolittle Raiders
