From Bombing Tokyo to Escaping the Soviets: The Incredible Story of Doolittle Raider Col Robert G. Emmens

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National Guard security mission at U.S. Capitol concludes
May 23, 2021 — ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Guard’s U.S. Capitol security mission to support the U.S. Capitol... MORE

National Guard Soldiers provide security outside the U.S. Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20, as part of the National Guard’s Capitol Response security mission.

Nevada National Guard trio honored for aiding crash victim
May 17, 2021 — LAS VEGAS – Three Nevada Guard Soldiers from 1st Squadron 221 Cavalry were recognized for helping a... MORE

Capt. Tyler Wistisen, left, 1st Lt. Michael Flury and Capt. Tana Gurule were honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the Life Saving Award at the Clark County Armory in Las Vegas May 14, 2021. While in the nation's capital in January supporting the presidential inauguration, the Soldiers assisted a Virginia woman injured in a car crash.

Synchronization a must in continued Guard support to Capitol
April 7, 2021 — ARLINGTON, Va. – When discussing the most recent rotation of National Guard members supporting U.S... MORE

Soldiers with the New Jersey Army National Guard’s A Troop and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry Division, and U.S. Capitol Police officers confer with each other hours after a vehicle rammed a barricade killing one Capitol Police officer and injuring another one at the U.S. Capitol April 2, 2021. The New Jersey Army Guard unit is one of several that continue to support the security mission at the Capitol — made possible by the synchronization efforts involving the National Guard Bureau, the District of Columbia National Guard and Guard units from 11 states.

National Guard units supporting Capitol mission return home
March 17, 2021 — WASHINGTON – More than half the 5,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who have been supporting... MORE

A Soldier supporting the Capitol Response mission in Washington, D.C., out-processes at the District of Columbia Armory March 12, 2021. Soldiers in the nation's capital are redeploying to their home states, with about 2,000 Guard members asked to continue to assist federal law enforcement with security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety through mid-May.

DCNG inauguration support ribbon recognizes service
March 15, 2021 — WASHINGTON – National Guard members from any state, territory or the District of Columbia who... MORE

Military awards worn by a District of Columbia Army National Guard Soldier in Washington, D.C., March 10, 2021, include the D.C. National Guard Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon on the bottom right. The ribbon is authorized for award to National Guard members from any state, territory or the District of Columbia who supported the 59th presidential inauguration on Title 32 orders.

In historic year, Washington National Guard answers the call
March 11, 2021 — CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – To describe 2020 as unprecedented would be an understatement. "This past year... MORE

Staff Sgt. Melinda Grounds, a medic with the 141st Medical Group and a registered nurse in Idaho, goes through a questionnaire with a visitor to the mass vaccination site at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield, Wash., Jan. 28, 2021. The Washington National Guard is helping at four vaccination sites.

Father, daughter serve together in nation's capital
March 1, 2021 — WASHINGTON – "Keeping families involved is important to the success of all our Soldiers," said 1st... MORE

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carl Mattonen stands with his daughter, Spc. Carlie Mattonen, both with Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan National Guard, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 26, 2021.

Michigan National Guard helps sustain the force in DC
February 12, 2021 — WASHINGTON – Soldiers with Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, Michigan Army National... MORE

Soldiers from the Michigan National Guard’s Forward Support Company, 107th Engineer Battalion, based in Marquette, and the 177th Military Police Brigade, based in Taylor, join other Soldiers in food distribution at the U.S. Capitol Feb. 7, 2021. The National Guard is supporting law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

Michigan Soldier maintains connection with home, work
February 9, 2021 — WASHINGTON – Soldiers with the 1433rd Engineer Company, Michigan National Guard, served in the... MORE

1st Lt. Darren Tanis, executive officer of the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1433rd Engineer Company, based in Fort Custer, Michigan, stands near the U.S. Capitol in Washington Feb. 3, 2021. The National Guard is supporting federal law enforcement in the nation's capital through mid-March.

Australian Army captain continues to serve with DC National Guard
February 8, 2021 — WASHINGTON - January's inauguration support by the National Guard was unique in many ways, with more... MORE

Australian Army Capt. Dustin Gold, a reserve officer from the Royal Australian Artillery 9th Regiment, participates in a Reserve Forces Foreign Exchange Program with D.C. National Guard in Washington D.C., Jan. 23, 2021.

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From Bombing Tokyo to Escaping the Soviets: The Incredible Story of Doolittle Raider Col Robert G. Emmens

Air University Public Affairs

April 14, 2025 | 02:00:43

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Robert “Bob” Gabel Emmens, lived an extraordinary life that began with a passion for aviation and led him to the heart of World War II. As a Doolittle Raider, he bravely attacked Tokyo in a daring bombing mission launched from an aircraft carrier. Forced to land in Soviet territory, he endured a year and three months of internment before making a daring escape. His fluency in Russian, acquired during this time, served him well throughout his distinguished military career, which included witnessing the rise of the Iron Curtain in Romania and even piloting the Romanian King to safety during a Soviet-backed coup. In our upcoming interview, Col. Emmens shares his incredible story, offering firsthand accounts of the Doolittle Raid, life behind the Iron Curtain, and his remarkable experience as a Doolittle Raider. Don't miss this captivating conversation with a man who embodies courage, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.

Original media AFHRA IRIS 01095255 (K239.0512-1665 REEL 1); Optical Media AFHRA IRIS 01199118 & 01199119.