Chronology of World War II

Saturday, April 18


B-25 Mitchell Bomber Awaits the Takeoff Signal


B-25 Mitchell Bomber Awaits the Takeoff Signal
An Army Air Forces B-25B bombers awaits the takeoff signal on the flight deck of USS Hornet (CV-8), as the raid is launched, April 18, 1942. Note Flight Deck Officer holding launch flag at right, and white stripes painted on the flight deck to guide the pilot's alignment of his plane's nose and port side wheels.