Major Thomas C. Griffin (known simply by friends and family as Tom) passed away Tuesday, February 26 in a Kentucky Veterans Affairs nursing home. The 96 year old earned his stripes navigating a B-25 bomber in the Doolittle Raid on Japan during World War II.
One of the original 80 who participated in the dangerous mission of April 18, 1942, there are now only four Raiders who survive him. Doolittle’s Raid came just 4 months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor: a year ago, Griffin had explained that the United States needed to strike back and show their mettle in the face of Japanese aggression. The counterattack in which he was so instrumental did a lot for American morale at a time when Japanese resolve seemed bulletproof.
Having run out of fuel, Griffin ended up having to parachute over China. He evaded the Japanese and went on to serve again in North Africa before being shot down and captured by the Germans.
Griffin died a mere two months before the final Raiders reunion in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He will be greatly missed by his family and his compatriots.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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