Honors historical aviator

MOSES LAKE — Future playground Doolittle Dream Park will be named after a California born aviation pioneer.

The park, to be located at the corner of Patton Boulevard and Doolittle Drive, will now be called "General James H. Doolittle Park."

"This park will be a source of pride for Moses Lake and surrounding communities and we wanted to express that pride in the park's name as well," Playground Coordinator Tara Childs stated. "I can't think of a better way to honor the children of our community by honoring in name, a true army and air force hero … Gen. Doolittle was one of the most famous aviators of our time."

Doolittle flew a B-25 Mitchell bomber in the first air strike over the Japan homeland in World War II. The mission was accomplished by flying the twin-engine bombers from an aircraft carrier, which had never been done before.

Doolittle is credited for changing the course of the war with the mission, according to playground representative Patti Youngblood.

He was awarded a Silver Star, two Distinguished Service Medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and four Air Medals, she added.

A memorial plaque in Doolittle's honor will be placed at the park.

The playground group hopes to add a replica B-25 Mitchell bomber at the park and to erect a statue of Doolittle at the entrance, Youngblood noted.

Doolittle did not apparently serve at the Larson Air Force Base, according to the base's last commander Col. Clyde Owen.

The playground is scheduled to open March, 2008.

For more information contact, Childs at 509-771-0074 or Youngblood at 509-762-4270.