Eglin building renamed for Doolittle Raider

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
When retired Master Sgt. Ed Horton passed away in 2008, he left behind a legacy that spanned almost 70 years of aviation history.

At 26 years old, Sergeant Horton was a Doolittle Raider, a gunner on plane #10, one of the B-25s that retaliated against Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Sergeant Horton earned a place in history and his role was further memorialized April 21 with the dedication of Building 68 as the Horton J-Primes Test Facility.

Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Scheidt, 96th Communications Squadron, said the B-25s were brought to the J-Primes hanger and enlisted Airmen, including Sergeant Horton, performed maintenance on gun turrets, fuel systems, carburetors and engines. This extensive heavy maintenance was completed and the planes thoroughly tested.

"Hangar 68 continues to serve the nation as the premier test and evaluation facility," Sergeant Scheidt said. "Current innovation and the spirit of achievement defines the history of Eglin Air Force Base. How fitting that today we add the name of a most prestigious Airman, one who epitomized achievement and innovation throughout his service to this country."

The Doolittle mission required 16 B-25s, each carrying four 500-pound bombs, to launch off an aircraft carrier in enemy waters 500 miles off the coast of Japan. The idea seemed impossible to many because B-25 pilots were accustomed to 5,000-foot runways. The crews practiced short takeoffs in secret at an airstrip at then Eglin Field, unaware of the nature of their secret mission until just before it was launched.

On April 18, 1942, after more than two weeks at sea, all 16 bombers took off successfully - 10 hours early and more than 100 miles farther away than initially planned - after a Japanese boat spotted their carrier.

The Airmen dropped bombs on Tokyo and other Japanese targets before most of them crashed or bailed out. Two crews went missing - some died before they were captured, others were executed and one starved.

Horton's crew was lucky. The fliers reached the safety of a Chinese mountain village.
According to Sergeant's Horton's son-in-law, L. B. Howell, Sergeant Horton's only comment was, "Well, thanks for the swell ride."

Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander, said the ceremony commemorated the spirit of selflessness that Sergeant Horton embodied.

"To celebrate him and his work and the example he set for us and those who may one day face a similar choice, Americans must always remember that we stand here today because of people like Sergeant Horton who understood the cost of freedom and volunteered to be its protector," said the colonel. "Because of him a new generation of heroes is inspired to carry forth in a cause of a world that is safe and free."

Christie Dolan, Sergeant Horton's granddaughter, said she never understood the gravity of the mission her grandfather participated in until she was older. Now, she's extremely proud of his service and was happy her 4-year-old son J.J. had a chance to spend time with his great-grandfather.

"I will make sure his legacy continues for him," she said.

Karen Howell, Sergeant Horton's daughter, was very honored and thankful for the recognition her father received at the ceremony.

"He was a very humble and sweet man," she said. "Growing up, I didn't realize what he did, but he and the other 79 men were so brave. I'm in awe of their mission."