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.

Wingspan67 ft 7 in.
Length52 ft 11 in.
Height16 ft 4 in.
Weight35,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed272 MPH
Service Ceiling24,200 ft
Range1,350 miles
EnginesTwo Wright R-2600-92 radials with 1,700 horsepower each
Crew4-6 depending on mission
ManufacturerNorth American
Markings11th Air Force, Elmendorf AAF, Alaska, 1945
DesignationB-25J
Serial Number43-27712

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 11th Air Force, Elmendorf AAF, Alaska, via Great Falls AAF, Montana. Exactly what service this aircraft saw in Alaska is not clear. The 11th Air Force historian’s office indicates that it served with the 28th Bomb Group, 77th 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.
Jul 1946: 170th AAF Base Unit,