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Robert Hite was one of the 80 airmen who, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, disembarked from the U.S.S. Hornet in the first bombing raid over Tokyo in World War II. He was captured by the Japanese and held as a Prisoner of War, enduring extreme torture until his release on August 20, 1945.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force

    Action Date:

    April 18, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert L. Hite (ASN: 0-417960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Co-Pilot of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Lieutenant Hite with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Japan)

    Action Date:

    March 12, 1942

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 13613

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert L. Hite (ASN: 0-417960), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by Japanese forces on 18 April 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release at the end of hostilities on 20 August 1945.