the raiders led by james doolittle launched their missile bombers 650 miles from their target. after hitting their military and industrial targets in tokyo and five other cities, they were low on fuel, the weather was deteriorating. all 16 planes were forced to crash land in china or russia. of the 80 men on the mission, eight raiders were captured. of these eight, three were executed, one died of disease, four returned home. their mission traveled an average distance of 2,200 miles over 13 hours, making it the longest combat mission ever flown in a b-25 bomber. i would add, mr. president, that another aviation hero in vietnam just walked into the chamber, senator mccain, right at the time i was talking about the doolittle raiders, and he has signed our resolution in commendation for a medal of honor for them, and i thank senator mccain, both for his her owism especially and for -- heroism especially and for joining us in this effort. in 2002, i led a resolution to recognize the 70th anniversary, passed the senate unanimously. early last year, i renewed my efforts to award the