Beau:

Doolittle loved the B-25. Then he got a ride in the Martin B-26. And ever after that he fought for its retention in production, going against Harry Truman and his Senate committee's recommendation to stop production.

But it was still a bear to fly. You have to note that Doolittle was one whale of a fine pilot.

During the second world war B-17s and B-24s were commanded by lieutenants with a total of 100 hours time. Put a 100 hour pilot in a B-26 you'd probably lose him, the airplane, and the rest of the crew.

Just as the P-38 had a bad reputation until Tony LeVier started going to the various training bases, showing what the plane really could do, Doolittle showed the Martin in a very good light.

I have that Doolittle book. John Glenn thinks he's the greatest, (just ask the arrogant ass) but Glenn wouldn't make the proverbial pimple on Doolittle's twat.

Bill.