If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Melrose, New Mexico
Last Address Joplin, Missouri
Date of Passing Jan 17, 2004
Location of Interment Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery (VA) - San Antonio, Texas
He was the pilot in crew #2 on the Doolittle Raid. After the raid he stayed in the CBI Theater for a short time then served in England, North Africa and Italy until 1944. After the war he served in the USAAF & USAF until retiring from the Air Force Oct 31, 1969.
His DFC citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
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) Travis Hoover (ASN: 0-421149), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as 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 Hoover 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.
Division: Doolittle Tokyo Raider Force Crew #2 (Plane #40-2292, target Tokyo): 37th Bomb Sq, L-R: Lt. Carl R. Wildner, navigator; Lt. Travis Hoover, pilot; Lt. Richard E. Miller, bombardier; Lt. William N. Fitzhugh, copilot; Sgt. Douglas V. Radney, flight engineer/gunner. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Synopsis of his Silver Star citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Travis Hoover (ASN: 0-421149), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during World War II.
General Orders: Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 588 (1944)
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Lockheed P-38J Lightning Length 37.83 ft | 11.53 m Width 52.00 ft | 15.85 m Height 9.81 ft | 2.99 m Engine(s) 2 x Allison V-1710-111 water-cooled inline piston engines generating 1,425hp. Empty Weight 12,800 lbs | 5,806 kg MTOW 21,601 lbs | 9,798 kg Max Speed 414 mph | 666 km/h | 360 kts Max Range 2,237 miles | 3,600 km Ceiling 43,963 ft | 13,400 m | 8.3 miles Climb Rate 2,500 ft/min (762 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 1 x 20mm Cannon 4 x 12.7mm machine guns
10 x 5in high-explosive rockets (optional) 2 x Drop Tanks (optional) 2 x 500lb bombs (optional)
Up to 4,000lbs (908kg) of underwing ordnance. Accommodations 1