1945: Signed by Patton and Doolittle

During World War II, Robert K. Baker was a pilot for the U.S. Air Transport Command. He ferried gasoline, bombs and ammunition across "The Hump", which was the name given by Allied pilots to the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains, over which they flew military transport aircraft from India to China to resupply the Chinese war effort against Japan. A trusted pilot, in April 1945 he flew the delegations of Turkey and Iraq to the United Nations Conference in San Francisco.

In July Baker was assigned to a special mission to transport military dignitaries from Paris to Los Angeles. These included the famed Generals George S. Patton and James Doolittle, plus Gen. Earl Partridge (commander of the 3rd Bomber Division), Gen. Clift Andrus (commander of the 1st Infantry Division), a number of other officers, and their orderlies and aides. Baker left New York on July 3, 1945 for Paris, picked up the men, and delivered his charges safely to Los Angeles on July 11.

This is Baker's Air Transport Command Pilots Flight and Maintenance Report for that flight, obtained by us from his family. The top portion lists the crew members (all of whom have signed), stops that they made, flight times, and the type of aircraft (a Douglas C54A). The purpose is "Special mission," and under remarks is the statement "Enroute to Paris for Gen. Patton." The bottom portion contains the passenger list for the Paris to Los Angeles flight, a total of 14 men, all of whom have signed in red pencil. This is the first time we have ever seen autographs of Patton and Doolittle on the same piece.

Doolittle, who made his renowned bombing raid against Japan in 1942, was about to reassume command of the 8th Air Force. Histories relate that he left Europe for Okinawa in July 1945 to make preparations to bring that force there for the final thrust on Japan. This is very likely the reason he made this flight. Throughout the war, Patton and his Third Army had gone so far, so fast, and conquered so much territory, that he and it became legend. With the war in Europe over, Patton was preparing to return to the United States permanently at the end of the year. Arrangements for that may have occupied his time on this trip. As for Baker, he later became a commercial pilot for American Airlines, flying until his retirement in 1970.