Thirty Seconds over Tokyo

Aviation Classics

By: Ted W. Lawson

Narrated by: Douglas R. Pratt

Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

In Ted W. Lawson’s classic Thirty Seconds over Tokyo, Lawson gives a vivid eyewitness account of the unorthodox assignment that 85 intrepid volunteer airmen - the “Tokyo Raiders” - under the command of celebrated flier James H. Doolittle executed in April 1942.

The plan called for 16 B-25 twin-engine medium bombers of the Army Air Corps to take off from the aircraft carrier Hornet, bomb industrial targets in Japan, and land at airfields in China. While the raid came off flawlessly, completely surprising the enemy, a shortage of fuel caused by an early departure, bad weather, and darkness took a heavy toll of the raiders.

For many, the escape from China proved a greater ordeal. Peter B. Mersky provides new information on the genesis of the raid, places it in the context of the early operations against Japan, and updates Ted Lawson’s biography.

The book is published by University of Nebraska Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2002 Ellen R. Lawson (P)2020 Redwood Audiobooks

Amazing!

An amazing story which happens to be true. highly recommend. Makes you grateful for all our service men and women.

A great read

I first read this book when I was in grade school around 1966. I loved it Dan and I loved it now after 60 some years later so much dad I bought the movie and watched it this afternoon. A fantastic story hats off to all our veterans it flew in World War II, especially on the Doolittle raid.

awesome story of a major WWII event

great story and narration of a historical WWII event more folks should hear this. a great listen

Absolutely an awesome read

Really like the firsthand account of this amazing historical event. Narrator does a fantastic job of articulating key points and really keeps your interest. I would recommend that all U.S. Americans read this story. Especially all those who who wear a U.S. Military uniform or those thinking of joining the military ranks. A fascinating story.

Short, intense, insightful

My dad recommended this to me, the day after Pearl Harbor 2022. A Human’s will/ability to survive, no matter the side, is always humbling and inspiring. Great read, a snippet of war.

Excitement beyond belief

An amazing story and what a great audio representation of the classic book. I read and enjoyed the hell out of the written book but since my eyes are bad and I don’t read as fast, I purchased the audio since I like to commemorate the anniversary of the raid every year by reading various books on the subject. Captain Lawson is a brave and wonderful man to share his experience with us. I continue to be in awe of the bravery of all men of the time, not a only on the Doolittle raid, but through WW2 as a whole. This is a poignant and timely telling of a high point of US history and will surely bring a tear to your eye when you feel the love the Captain has for his wife, the Chinese people, and his fellow raiders. One of my favorite books has come alive through Audio. Beautiful!!

Some stories never get old

I first read this book while I was in high school in the early 1960’s as I was fascinated with such stories about the second world war. My uncle flew the same type of plane and was shot down in Tunisia in February of 1943. He spent the remainder of the war as a POW. He never discussed his experiences with me so I found this book to be an insight into what his life might have been during that time frame. I highly recommend this book.

An incredible and heroic account of one of USA’s finest military operations.

Ted Lawson was an amazing man, as well as his crew - who survived impossible odds and injury, to recover and continue on in service to our great country. Such patriotism and heroism is inspiring. As the daughter of a WWII test pilot and WASP trainer, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this account of Doolittle’s Raid.