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AIR FORCE PHOTOS

Doolittle Raiders celebrate 65 years since historic mission

The goblet of Staff Sgt. William L. Birch, a Doolittle Raider and bombardier from crew No.11, was turned over during a Goblet Ceremony April 18 as part of the 65th Anniversary Doolittle Raider Reunion held in San Antonio. A toast was made in Sergeant Birch's honor. He passed away Nov. 18, 2006. When a Raider dies, a toast is made their honor and the goblet is turned upside down. When there are but two Raiders left, the two men will open a bottle of cognac, vintage 1896, the year Jimmy Doolittle was born, and once final toast will be made to the departed comrades. Fourteen of the 80 raiders are still alive. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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