Japanese Zero to Join Grimes Gathering of B-25s

Japanese Zero to Join Grimes Gathering of B-25s

The world’s last remaining airworthy Zero A6-M2 – the type of fighter Japan used to attack Pearl Harbor – will be taking to the skies over Urbana, Ohio, April 14-16, with other World War II aircraft, including about 20 Mitchell B-25 bombers.

The warbirds are flying in for the Grimes Gathering of B-25s, the largest gathering of B-25s since World War II, in preparation for the April 17-20 tribute to the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF), near Dayton. The Doolittle Reunion will mark the 70th anniversary of the Raiders’ famed raid on Japan, four months after Pearl Harbor.

Early Tuesday morning, April 17, the B-25s will make a dramatic departure from Urbana’s Grimes Field municipal airport (1636 N. Main St. Urbana), taking off one by one, to fly to the Doolittle Raiders tribute at the NMUSAF.

The Zero, Last Samurai, will be coming to Urbana with the B-25 Betty’s Dream and two other warbirds in the collection of the Texas Flying Legends Museum (www.flyingfreedom.us), one of the leading sponsors of the Grimes Gathering. The other two aircraft are an FG-1D Corsair, Whistling Death, and a P-40K Warhawk, Aleutian Tiger.

More than half a dozen of the B-25s will be selling rides at the Urbana airport, April 14-16, and many of the thousands expected to flock to the historic event will be able to get a close-up look at the meticulously restored aircraft with a $5 donation for ramp access. (Ramp access will be free to World War II veterans and children 5 and under.)

While in Urbana, the B-25s will also practice formation flying, and many of the aircraft are expected to return to the Urbana airport Wednesday, April 18 after ceremonies at the NMUSAF.

The five surviving crewmen of the Tokyo raid, which was led by Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle, will participate in the reunion and will be guests of honor at a private breakfast at the Champaign Aviation Museum at Grimes Field.

 “This is rare and exciting opportunity to witness a truly significant part of our nation’s history and to pay tribute to the bravery of American heroes,” said Jim White, co-chair of the Grimes Gathering of B-25s with Dave Millner. “With only five remaining crew members from the Doolittle Raid, time is slipping away to show our gratitude. Urbana is very honored to be a part of this exciting tribute and we look forward to having thousands join us.”

B-25 flight reservations can be made from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14-16 in the Champaign Aviation Museum at Grimes Field. In addition, ramp access will be available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 14-16, for a $5 donation.  A variety of World War II era military vehicles also will be on display.

One of the participating B-25s, the Champaign Gal, is part of the permanent collection of the Champaign Aviation Museum.

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