Howard Koslow (American, 1924 - 2016) "James Doolittle" Signed lower left. Original oil painting on Cold Press Illustration Board.Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting is he original which was published on the Fleetwoodmemorative Proofcard for America's Greatest Military Heroes series, postmarked December 14, 1992.When America entered World War I, James Doolittle's childhood interest in flying led him to join the aviation section of the Army Signal Corps. He wasmissioned a second lieutenant and became a crack flight instructor. During the 1920s and 1930s, Doolittle won awards such as the Mackey trophy, and airpetitions such as the Bendix Races. The Army Air Corps then sent him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received a doctorate in aeronautical engineering. He retired from active duty to work for Shell Oilpany's aviation division, but held his reserve rank as major. In 1940, the threat of war prompted Doolittle's return to active duty. In 1941, the disaster of Pearl Harbor left American morale at a low ebb. In the spring of 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Doolittle led one of the most daring raids of the Second World War: a low-level bombing raid on Tokyo. Leading a squadron of B-25s from the deck of the U.S.S. Hornet (code named "Shangri-la"), Doolittle's men scored a victory for America while forcing the heretofore impregnable Japanese forces on the defensive. For his courageous leader, Doolittle was promoted to brigadier general and awarded the Medal of Honor. He went on to lead the 12th and 8th Air Forces in Europe and played a leading role in defeating the Luftwaffe. Before his retirement he was promoted to lieutenant general.Image Size: 14 x 12 in.Overall Size: 20.25 x 18.25 in.Unframed.(B10558)