North American B-25J Mitchell

The B-25 is perhaps the most successful American medium bomber of World War II.  It served in every theater of the war, with all branches of the U.S. military and with several allied air forces.  It is perhaps best known as the type of aircraft flown by the Doolittle Raiders from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet in early 1942.  B-25s served as both traditional bombers and as gunships with large numbers of machine guns, and in one version a 75mm cannon in the nose.  The B-25J returned to the standard “glass” nose for use as a bomber.  However, many were converted to a “solid” gunship nose and used for very low level attacks.  The Mitchell continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force until as late as 1960 as staff transports and trainers.

Service History:

Built by North American Aviation, Kansas City, Kansas and delivered to the USAAF on April 11, 1944.

Apr 1944         To Douglas Modification Center, Kansas City, Kansas for installation of combat equipment.

May 1944        To Hunter AAF, Georgia.

Jun 1944          To 11^th Air Force, Elmendorf AAF, Alaska, via Great Falls AAF, Montana.  Exactly what service this aircraft saw in Alaska is not clear.  The 11^th Air Force historian’s office indicates that it served with the 28^th Bomb Group, 77^th Bomb Squadron at Lexi Point Field on the island of Attu.  However, other evidence including photographs and the memories of Major General Harry A. Johnson indicates that he appropriated the aircraft for use as his personal transport and that he retained the use of the aircraft for the remainder of his military career.

Manufacturer
North American

Markings
11^th Air Force, Elmendorf AAF, Alaska, 1945

Designation
B-25J

Serial Number
43-27712