Lancaster in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lt. Gen. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle
USAF, Retired
— Aerospace Walk of Honor —
Doolittle performed important aeronautical research as an Army test pilot. He was the first pilot (1929) to take-off, fly a course and land an aircraft without seeing outside the cockpit; a technique known as "Blind Flying."
One of the earliest fliers to combine engineering ingenuity with skilled piloting technique, Doolittle played a leading role in developing aircraft instruments. He conducted flight research to develop structural theory.
Doolittle set numerous world speed records and flew in the World War II "Raid over Tokyo."
He was named Chairman of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board in 1955 and served on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
Doolittle was born in Alameda, California on December 14, 1896. He received his MA (1924) and Ph.D. (1925) in Aeronautical Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was named an Honorary Fellow by the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and has been honored by: Harmon International Trophy (1930), several Distinguished Flying Crosses; and the Aerospace Walk of Honor.
Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates test pilots who were associated with Edwards AFB. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment.
Erected 1990 by City of Lancaster CA - Aerospace Walk of Honor.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list.
Location. 34° 41.878′ N, 118° 8.385′ W. Marker is in Lancaster, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is on Lancaster Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster CA 93534, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fred Wallace Haise (here, next to this marker); Col. Robert L. "Silver Fox" Stephens, USAF (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. Robert G. "Bob" Ferry, USAF (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Tuskegee Airmen (within shouting distance of this marker); John A. Manke (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas C. McMurtry (about 300 feet away); Brig. General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on July 16, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 20, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.